In a major decision, the Karnataka government has allowed school students to wear hijab, janivara (sacred thread for Hindus) and turban. The Congress government withdrew a 2022 order by B S Yediyurappa’s administration, which banned hijab after a major controversy.

According to the proposed rules being finalised by the Education Department, students will be permitted to wear symbols and attire such as janivara, peeta/headgear, turban, Rudraksha, Shivadhara, hijab and scarf while attending classes and examinations, along with the mandated uniform.

A big controversy unfolded in 2022 when some Muslim girls were stopped from attending classes because their headgear was not in line with the prescribed uniform. The BJP government then issued an order, mandating students to stick to their uniforms. Later, the Karnataka High Court also upheld the government’s order, saying hijab was not an essential religious practise in Islam.

Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said the decision was taken after discussions triggered by an April 24 incident involving the removal of a sacred thread during an examination. He said the government decided to frame clear rules keeping the welfare of children in mind.

“Children should not face inconvenience because of traditional and religious practices. We have framed guidelines to ensure there is clarity," the minister said.

The minister said the Chief Minister had directed the department to complete the framework before the start of the academic year. The rules are expected to provide limited permission for traditional and faith-based symbols while maintaining the overall uniform structure in schools.

The Karnataka government has argued that the move is aimed at balancing discipline in educational institutions with respect for religious and cultural practices. The development is expected to reignite political debate around the hijab issue in the state, which had earlier led to legal and political battles during the BJP government’s tenure.

Source: News18