Bhubaneswar: Sambalpuri fabric will shortly replace the traditional attires of government schoolteachers. The state government is mulling to make it the dress code for the teachers in the government schools.

Handloom and handicrafts department minister Snehangini Chhuria said that discussions were on with the school and mass and higher education department for finalising project modalities.

"I have discussed the matter with concerned secretaries. A final decision will be taken shortly," she said.

According to sources, the dress code will initially be implemented among teachers of primary and high schools from the next academic session. Gradually, it will be initiated in colleges and varsities.

Arrangements are being made to ensure adequate supply of fabric from Sambalpuri Bastralaya and Boyanika to make the attires.

Chhuria said: "As weaving handloom clothes takes time, it will not be possible to implement the plan immediately. It can be done in phases."

Student at various government educational institutions in the state will also shortly don uniforms made from Sambalpuri handloom. The dress code will initially be implemented in the colleges from the next academic session and it will be initiated in the schools. The government is making efforts to reduce the prices of Sambalpuri fabric. The chief minister has also written to the Centre to reduce the Goods and Service Tax (GST) on handloom products.

"Unless the taxes are slashed, it will be very difficult for us to produce it in bulk. Due to the high cost of Sambalpuri tie and dye, the next generation of weavers are not interested in taking up their traditional profession," said Lokesh Meher, a 35-year old weaver, based in Nuapatna.