Bengaluru: state government gives clarification to monitor and follow the protocol of school uniforms. A spiraling controversy over hijabs worn by Muslim students and saffron scarves worn by Hindu students triggered the government to ban clothes that reflect religion.
“Invoking 133 (2) of the Karnataka Education Act- 1983, Which tells a uniform style of cloths has to be worn mandatorily. The private management can select a uniform of their choice” and students have to adhere to management decisions with respect to uniform. the government mentioned. In case of management doesn’t select uniforms, clothes which disturb equality, integrity, and public law and order should not be worn” government order mentioned.
The education department has noticed that in some educational institutions, “students started behaving in accordance with their religion which must not be entertained and that hurts equality and unity” it added. The state has come across this ongoing issue escalating day by day with right-wing groups in Udupi and Chikkamagaluru questioning Muslim girls attending classes wearing hijabs. This controversy spread to other parts of Karnataka in no time with groups of Hindu students coming up with saffron scarves as opposition to Muslim students.
This hijab and saffron scarves incident has taken strong turns in state politics, former chief minister Siddaramaiah accused BJP and RSS are trying to spark communal imbalance in the state. He urged CM Bommai to arrest those who instigate people. The constitution has given the right to practice and follow any religion by their choice which means an Individual can wear any clothes according to their religion. Restricting Hijab-wearing students from entering school is against secularism and it is violating the fundamental rules, he added.
The former chief minister being neutral he said, allow hijab in places where it was in practice for long period ban them in such places where its practice started recently. The state president and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said the government will not allow hijab in educational institutions or saffron scarves. The government is ensuring students from different religions follow this, if not we have strict measures for those who violate the rules. Bringing religious practice to schools is not right. If someone can’t follow rules they can choose their path elsewhere, he added.
Written by Prajwal Hooli
