Karnataka govt withdraws order that banned hijab in educational institutions
The government said the revised guidelines were aimed at balancing institutional discipline with constitutional values of equality, secularism and inclusion.
India's Karnataka state government yesterday (13 May) withdrew a four-year-old order issued by the previous BJP dispensation that had effectively banned hijab in educational institutions and released fresh guidelines allowing students to wear "limited traditional and faith-based symbols" along with prescribed uniforms in schools and pre-university colleges.
The new order, which replaces the February 2022 directive, came into immediate effect, permitting students to wear hijab or headscarf, turban and sacred thread (for Hindus) provided they do not affect discipline, safety, identification or the functioning of educational institutions.
The action came weeks after a 24 April incident in which a student's sacred thread was allegedly cut at a school during an examination, sparking controversy in the state.
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The government said the revised guidelines were aimed at balancing institutional discipline with constitutional values of equality, secularism and inclusion.
The government further clarified that no student should be denied access to classrooms, examinations or academic activities solely for wearing permitted traditional or faith-based symbols.
The order said the earlier 2022 directive had been issued amid disputes over uniforms and dress codes, but concerns later emerged regarding limited traditional and faith-based practices followed by students from different communities.
Further underlining the constitutional basis of the decision, the government said "secularism, in a constitutional sense, does not mean opposition to personal beliefs, but implies equal respect, institutional neutrality and non-discriminatory conduct."
