No jeans, tees, sneakers: CBI dir wants formals

NEW DELHI: Dressing up is the new norm at the Central Bureau of Investigation, according to a new order issued by Anoop T Mathew, deputy director (administration), at the instance of the federal investigation agency’s new chief , Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, who, through his long career in the police has always been spotted either in an immaculately pressed uniform or in a tie and jacket.

HT learns that the objective is to instil a culture of professionalism in the agency; the order says casual wear such as jeans and sports shoes will not be tolerated.

The dress code for men will be collared shirts, formal trousers, and formal shoes. They are also required to come to the office properly shaved, according to the order. Women employees have been asked to wear only sarees, suits, formal shirts, and trousers.

“No jeans, T-shirts, sports shoes, chappals, casual attire is allowed in office,” said the order, a copy of which has been seen by HT.

The order directed all heads of branches of CBI across the country to ensure these guidelines are strictly followed.

Officers in the agency pointed out that Jaiswal is the second CBI director after MG Katre, who was, like the former, from Maharashtra cadre, to issue such an order. Katre headed the agency from 1985 to 1989. They called the latest order necessary and added that officers at the agency need to wear formals to indicate a professional work environment. “However, over the years, people, particularly staff, started wearing casuals, such as like jeans and T-shirts and nobody stopped it. Officers above deputy inspector general (DIG) rank are usually seen in a formal suit with tie. CBI officers at all ranks need to at least wear a formal collared shirt, trousers and shoes,” said an officer, who asked not to be named.

Agencies such as the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) have a strict dress code where officers are supposed to wear business suit.

A former CBI director, who didn’t want to be named, appreciated Jaiswal’s directive and said wearing proper formal clothes is a basic tenet of discipline.