BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said that nursing uniforms in India should be "Indianised" to remove the influence of British colonial dress codes [1, 2].
The proposal seeks to redefine the professional image of nursing by replacing foreign standards with attire that reflects national identity. This shift is framed as a move to restore dignity to a healthcare role that Ranaut said has been compromised by historical legacies.
Ranaut said the current uniforms are relics of the British era [1, 2]. She said that these existing dress codes contribute to the sexualisation of the nursing profession, which she said harms the overall dignity of the work [1, 2]. By moving away from these foreign styles, she said the profession could better align with Indian cultural values.
While advocating for a change in attire, Ranaut said that any new dress code should reflect the preferences of the nurses themselves [1, 2]. This approach suggests a collaborative transition rather than a top-down mandate, ensuring that the practical needs of healthcare workers are met while changing the visual identity of the role.
The call for "Indianisation" follows a broader trend of reviewing colonial-era laws and customs across various sectors of Indian public life [1, 2]. Ranaut said the visual representation of nurses is linked to the broader struggle for national identity and professional respect.
“nurses' uniforms be "Indianised"”
This proposal reflects a wider political effort in India to 'decolonize' public institutions and professional standards. By linking the dress code of nurses to colonial influence and the sexualisation of the profession, Ranaut is framing a clothing change as a matter of both cultural sovereignty and gender-based dignity in the workplace.
