Karnataka: The Karnataka Allows Hijab in Schools has issued a major policy change allowing students to wear religious symbols, including hijab, turban, and sacred threads, along with prescribed school uniforms. The decision marks a significant reversal of the previous ban imposed during the earlier BJP government.
New Order on School Dress Code
The Siddaramaiah-led government has officially allowed students in Karnataka schools to wear “limited traditional and religious symbols” along with their uniform. This includes hijab, turbans, scarves, and sacred threads.
The government stated that the aim is to ensure equal educational access for all students without discrimination based on religious beliefs.
Statement from Education Minister
School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa clarified that the government’s objective is to promote equality and inclusivity in education. He emphasized that no student should be denied education due to religious practices.
He further stated that the new order has come into effect from the current academic session.
Karnataka Allows Hijab in Schools: Reversal of Previous Ban
In February 2022, the previous BJP government had imposed a complete ban on hijab in educational institutions, stating that students must strictly follow uniform rules.
This decision led to widespread protests across Karnataka, with several Muslim female students reportedly barred from attending classes.
After coming to power, the Congress government had promised to review and reverse the decision, which has now been implemented.
Legal and Political Background
The hijab issue escalated into a major legal dispute and reached the Karnataka High Court and later the Supreme Court. In 2022, the High Court upheld the earlier ban, stating that hijab was not an essential religious practice.
Later, the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict and referred the matter to a larger bench for further consideration.
The new government order now provides immediate administrative relief to students amid ongoing legal complexities.
Inclusive Education Approach
The Karnataka government has framed the new policy as part of its inclusive education approach. Officials said the goal is to ensure that students from all communities feel comfortable in educational institutions.
By allowing religious symbols within a regulated framework, the state aims to balance uniformity with cultural and religious diversity.
Conclusion
The decision to allow hijab and other religious symbols in schools marks a significant shift in Karnataka’s education policy. It reflects a broader attempt to ensure inclusive access to education while addressing long-standing social and legal debates.
5 Key Points of the Karnataka Allows Hijab in Schools:
- Karnataka government has allowed students to wear hijab, turban, and other religious symbols in schools along with uniforms.
- The Siddaramaiah-led government revoked the previous BJP-era ban on hijab in educational institutions.
- Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said the decision aims to ensure equal and inclusive education for all students.
- The new order applies from the current academic session and permits “limited traditional symbols” in schools.
- The move follows years of legal and political controversy over the hijab issue, including cases in High Court and Supreme Court.
