Karnataka has rescinded a 2022 order that had effectively prohibited the wearing of religious symbols, including the hijab, in educational institutions. A new directive permits students to don limited traditional and faith-based attire alongside their prescribed uniforms, provided these do not disrupt discipline, safety, or student identification.
The state government, through its School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa, announced on Thursday that the order formally revokes the previous directive mandating strict adherence to uniforms without any religious embellishments. This earlier rule had ignited considerable controversy and led to protests in various educational establishments.
The revised guidelines specifically list permissible symbols such as the hijab, sacred thread (janivara), turban, and Rudraksha beads. The government emphasized that such practices are allowed as long as they complement the official uniform and do not alter its fundamental nature or purpose.
Read More: CBI Arrests 5 for NEET Exam Leak on Wednesday
Key Provisions of the New Order:
Permitted Symbols: Hijab, sacred thread (janivara), turban, Rudraksha beads, Shiva beads, and other commonly worn religious symbols.
Conditions: Symbols must not interfere with discipline, safety, or student identification.
Non-Compulsion: Students cannot be forced to wear or remove permitted religious or traditional symbols.
Access to Education: No student shall be denied entry to classrooms, examination halls, or any academic activity for wearing these symbols with their uniform.
The decision to overturn the 2022 order came after widespread protests erupted when Muslim students were prevented from attending classes while wearing hijabs. This led to counter-demonstrations by Hindu students wearing saffron shawls, escalating the situation into a politically charged debate.
Background and Context:
The original 2022 order, issued by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, had mandated strict adherence to uniforms and was upheld by the Karnataka High Court. One judge, Justice Hemant Gupta, supported the government's stance, while Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia dissented, arguing that access to education should be prioritized.
The current Congress-led government has stated that the review of existing dress code regulations, including those followed in Kendriya Vidyalayas, indicated that institutional discipline can be maintained without a blanket prohibition on limited traditional or faith-based symbols.
"Institutional discipline can be maintained without restricting such symbols, as long as they do not interfere with identification of students, safety, teaching or public order."
The government also underscored that secularism, in a constitutional context, implies equal respect for all beliefs and institutional impartiality, rather than an opposition to personal faith. The directive aims to promote a 'scientific temper, rationality, equality, dignity, fraternity, discipline, mutual respect, social harmony,' and the responsibilities inherent in a constitutional democracy.
Read More: Karnataka KSRTC Bus Strike From May 20 Affects 1.25 Lakh Workers
The move has reignited political tensions, with the opposition BJP criticising the decision. BJP MLA Bharat Shetty labelled it an "attempt to divert from their failures" and argued that Hindu students should also be permitted to wear saffron shawls. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had previously asserted that students should not be denied education due to their religious attire, framing the earlier ban as an attempt to divide society based on clothing and caste.
