Former President Mohamed Nasheed has estimated that parents will have to face a financial burden of MVR 80 million because of the new uniforms for public schools.
In a post on social media X, Nasheed wrote that there are more than 90,000 students in the country and the new uniform will cost at least MVR 900 per student.
"It is not economical to take a total of more than MVR 80 million from parents and give that money to cloth shops. Changing uniforms is an expensive waste," he wrote.
Referring to the pants mandated along with skirts for girls from Grade 4, Nasheed said students are already covered well and decently
According to the new rules by the Education Ministry, only girls in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 can wear skirts with their uniforms. This is from baby nursery to Grade 3.
While the government brought the abrupt change to be implemented from 2027, the skirt has been part of the official uniform of girls since schools were opened in the Maldives.
Students who wear burqa or headscarf have always had the option to choose pants or trousers.
It is unclear why this change was mandated. But the ministry said discussions were held with schools. There was no mention of any discussion with parents.
The new rules also end the long history of schools in the Maldives, by only allowing the colors of the national flag and the ministry. The colour options are white, sky blue, tea green or light red for the top and black or navy blue for the bottoms.
