The Karnataka government has taken a major decision allowing school students to wear religious symbols along with their uniforms. The move permits items such as hijab, janivara (sacred thread), turbans, and other traditional religious attire to be worn in schools alongside the prescribed dress code. By announcing new guidelines, the Karnataka government has withdrawn a 2022 order issued during the B S Yediyurappa-led BJP government, which had banned hijab in schools sparking major controversy.

Karnataka Withdraws 2022 Hijab Ban

During a press conference, Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced new guidelines for educational institutions regarding uniform and dress code. He said the government has revoked the 2022 order, and students will now be allowed to wear hijabs and sacred threads in schools along with their uniforms. “Children should not face inconvenience because of traditional and religious practices. We have framed guidelines to ensure there is clarity,” the minister said.

What Has Changed?

As per the new draft rules being prepared by the Education Department, students will be allowed to wear religious symbols and attire along with their school uniforms during classes and examinations. Bangarappa added that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the department to complete the framework before the start of the academic year.

The decision has been taken after a recent incident on April 24, in which a student was asked to remove the sacred thread during an examination. Earlier in 2022, a controversy had erupted when some Muslim girls were stopped from attending classes for wearing hijab, as it did not match the school uniform rules. After that, the BJP government made a rule making uniforms mandatory for all students. Later, the Karnataka High Court also supported this rule and said that hijab is not an essential religious practice in Islam.

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