Karnataka Government Lifts Hijab Ban in Schools, New Order Allows Religious Symbols in Classrooms
Karnataka government revokes hijab ban in schools and allows students to wear religious symbols including hijab, scarf, turbans, and Rudraksha.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has withdrawn the controversial order banning the wearing of hijab in school classrooms and issued a fresh order cancelling the February 2022 directive. The new order was announced on Wednesday during a press conference addressed by Madhu Bangarappa and Dinesh Gundu Rao.
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The ministers stated that the state government has decided to immediately remove the hijab ban imposed up to Class 12 in Karnataka educational institutions.
Karnataka Government Cancels February 2022 Hijab Order
According to the ministers, the Karnataka government officially cancelled the February 2022 order that prohibited hijab in classrooms.
The latest order has been issued under:
- Section 7 of the Karnataka Education Act, 1983
- Section 133(2) of the Karnataka Education Act, 1983
- Rule 11 of the Karnataka Educational Institutions Rules, 1995
The government said the new order would apply to government, private, and aided schools across Karnataka.
Students Allowed to Wear Religious Symbols
Under the revised order, students are now permitted to wear religious traditions and symbols to a limited extent.
The items allowed include:
- Hijab
- Scarf
- Turbans
- Sacred thread
- Shiv thread
- Rudraksha
However, the government clarified that all such items must remain in accordance with the prescribed school uniform.
The Karnataka government directed school managements to allow students to wear these religious symbols.
No Student Should Be Forced, Say Ministers
The ministers clarified that no student should be compelled to wear religious or traditional symbols.
They also stated that students should not be forced to remove permissions granted under the latest government order.
The government said the objective of the new order is to:
- Maintain discipline in educational institutions
- Respect religious and cultural practices
Press Conference Held in Bengaluru
Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa and Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao jointly addressed the media in Bengaluru and announced the new decision.
The development marks a major policy change in Karnataka regarding the hijab issue in schools and colleges.
Hijab Ban Had Triggered National Debate
The February 2022 hijab ban had sparked nationwide political, legal, and social debate over religious freedom and dress codes in educational institutions.
The Karnataka government’s latest decision is expected to trigger fresh political reactions across the State.
The Karnataka government has revoked the February 2022 hijab ban order and issued fresh guidelines allowing students in government, private, and aided schools to wear religious symbols such as hijab, scarf, turbans, sacred thread, Shiv thread, and Rudraksha in accordance with school uniforms. The new order was announced in Bengaluru by Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa and Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
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