The Karnataka government, on Wednesday, withdrew the controversial hijab ban in schools, allowing students to wear “limited traditional and custom-based symbols," along with the prescribed uniforms.
Accordingly, students will now be able to wear hijab, Rudraksha, Shivadhara, janivara or sacred thread, peeta/headgear, turban, and scarf in schools.
The order applies to all government schools, aided and private educational institutions and pre-university colleges across the state.
Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced that the decision was taken following discussions in the wake of an incident on April 24 in which a student was asked to remove his sacred thread during an examination.
“No student shall be denied entry to an educational institution, classroom, examination hall, or academic activities merely because they are wearing such limited traditional and customary symbols along with the prescribed uniform,” the government order regarding the lifting of the ban stated.
The order asked schools and colleges to implement the directive in a uniform, secular, non-discriminatory and bias-free manner. Schools have also been directed to follow the constitutional values of equality, dignity, fraternity, secularism, scientific temper and the right to education.
“Children should not face inconvenience because of traditional and religious practices. We have framed guidelines to ensure there is clarity," the minister was quoted as saying.
The BJP government had banned such symbols saying that they disturb equality, integrity, and public order in educational institutes of the state. The decision had triggered massive protests across the state.
Karnataka HC upheld the state ban, saying that wearing a hijab "is not an essential religious practice of Islam" and that the uniform dress rule should be followed in educational institutions.
