Amid a row over the wearing of hijab and saffron shawls by students from educational institutions, the Karnataka government issued an order on Saturday banning the wearing of such clothing that promotes “equality, integrity and public order in schools and universities.” It further stated that the decision of the College Development Committee on the dress code will be final and will apply to all PU colleges of the state.
“Invoking 133(2) of the Karnataka Education Act 1983, which says that uniform dress is compulsory. The private school board can select a uniform of their choice,” the government order said.
“For the dress code in private colleges, the executive committees have to make the decision. However, in cases where the commission has not adopted a dress code, students are asked to wear clothing that promotes unity and uniformity and does not disturb public order,” the government ordered.
Read|Hijab row: Doesn’t allow ‘Talibanization’ of education system, says Karnataka BJP chief
The government decree also noted that the 1983 KEA had explained that all students should wear a common uniform so that they would belong to a common family and behave in a way that there is no discrimination. The order also said that the second vwo or the 12th standard is crucial for the students in their lives.
A common program has been established for all schools and colleges in Karnataka for the benefit of the students, the order said. “However, the education department has noticed that in some educational institutions the boys and girls are starting to behave according to their religion, which harms equality and unity,” it added.
The order also cited the rulings of the Supreme Court and several High Courts in India in favor of uniform. Initially, the controversy was confined to Udupi and Chikkamagaluru in early January, when Muslim girls began attending classes wearing hijab. In protest, Hindu students began attending classes wearing saffron scarves around their necks. Gradually, the problem spread to other parts of the state where Muslim girls demanded permission to attend classes wearing a headscarf.
The issue of the hijab had become a major controversy with political parties striving to distract miles from it. While congress leaders supported the Hijab, the BJP said it will not allow “Talibanization” of educational institutions.
(with input of PTI)
Read all the Latest News, Breaking News and Coronavirus News here.