Мать из Бангалора ввела униформу для нянь, что вызвало бурные споры о классовом неравенстве и контроле

BENGALURU: 'Didi aaj kya pehnu?', a Bengaluru mother’s decision to put her children’s nannies in uniforms has triggered a debate online, with critics calling the practice “elitist and controlling” while she says it is simply practical workwear. Tanvi Chordia Jain, a mother of two, shared a video on Instagram explaining why her nannies wear uniforms while working. She said the decision was not about establishing a hierarchy but about making childcare easier, with the clothes designed for tasks such as carrying babies, running after children and bending down. “Yes, my nannies wear uniforms and no, the reason is not what you are thinking,” she said in the video. Explaining one of the reasons, Jain referred to the daily question she would get from her nannies, “Everyday didi aaj kya pehnu.” She said having designated workwear meant there was no longer any confusion over what to wear. In the video she explained the family had not always used uniforms and adopted them over time after finding them more practical. Her post has received mixed reactions, with the video crossing over 1 lakh views since it was shared on Instagram on Tuesday. Tanvi said designated workwear removed the need for daily decisions over what to wear and allowed the clothes to be designed specifically for childcare. “It’s designed for the job: bending, running behind kids, carrying babies without constantly having to adjust clothes,” she said in the video. 'Uniform ≠ hierarchy' In the caption accompanying the video, Jain wrote, “Uniform ≠ hierarchy. For us, it’s simply comfortable, practical workwear that makes the job easier. And no, it wasn’t always like this! We switched to uniforms along the way because it started making more sense for everyone. We’re learning too. " "We still keep our help like family and are super grateful for them.Pockets, no outfit stress, personal clothes protected + comfortable enough to survive toddler chaos. Every home AND every staff member is different—this is simply what works for ours," she added. 'Didi aaj kya pehanu? They need your permission?' But several users questioned whether uniforms inevitably create a visible distinction between household staff and the family. “It is totally about hierarchy. You can pull it off cause you dictate the terms including what they wear in your home. You want them to be identified as the staff and not family,” one user wrote. Another commented, “It looks awfully uncomfortable. Just get them fanny packs if you want them to be able to store stuff with them. I think it is imposing, elitist and controlling.” One user said, “What do you mean, Didi aaj kya pehanu?? they need your permission on what to wear??? Damnnnnn another level of control this is", to which Tanvi “what’s wrong in taking charge of your own house and help” “I think this is a crazy idea! I had a consistent nanny for last 4 years and she didn't need a uniform I told her to wear practically and decent clothes and she followed," another user said. A separate comment questioned the premise behind the uniforms, saying, “I assume you’re in India. Why do your nannies ask you daily what to wear? Do they live in with you, or leave home daily?” “The fact its a terrible idea doesn’t worry me, but the number of people who seemed to be inspired by this is frightening," another user wrote. ‘A psychological boundary’ Not all responses were critical. One commenter identifying themselves as a psychologist argued that uniforms could give children a consistent visual cue, particularly when childcare staff change. “As a Psychologist expert - my view is aligns with u- When nannies wear uniforms, kids get a clear, reliable visual marker. Even when faces change, that consistent cue gives them a sense of stability and helps them adjust. Without the uniform - A revolving door of new faces in ordinary clothes creates constant adjustment stress. Worse, it quietly conditions kids to trust any stranger who looks familiar. Uniforms aren't just about looking professional—they're a crucial psychological boundary for a child's safety and peace of mind." Jain's post has since turned into a wider debate over domestic workers' clothing, household hierarchy and where practical workwear ends and control begins. Another user said, “Totally agree with you. Great idea.”