Hijab row: Decision on Karnataka colleges likely next week

The state government is likely to reopen pre-university and degree colleges sometime next week depending on how the law and order situation unfolds when high schools resume classes from Monday under the shadow of the polarising hijab controversy.

“We’re opening high schools on Monday. After one or two days, based on the situation, a decision will be taken (on colleges),” Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said, briefing reporters after a meeting Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai chaired with district administrators.

Bommai reviewed the preparedness of law enforcement as high schools are set to reopen. He had ordered a three-day closure of high schools and colleges after protests for and against the hijab turned violent. High schools will resume classes from Monday on the back of an interim order by the High Court.

Also read: Hijab row: Karnataka govt extends closure of degree colleges till Feb 16

“We don’t want any untoward incidents to occur. In sensitive districts, police superintendents and deputy commissioners have been directed to visit school premises and tell managements to ensure nothing goes wrong,” Jnanendra said.

“The academic atmosphere has suffered due to Covid-19 over the last two years. There’s still 20-25% of the syllabus left to be covered. At this stage, parents and students need to be given confidence,” Jnanendra said.

The police have been asked to keep vigil on rumour-mongering and inflammatory content on social media. “Even minor incidents should be dealt with seriously without succumbing to any pressure. In case of any incident, immediate action should be taken. Local administrators have been given powers to act without waiting for orders from higher-ups,” he said.

It was also decided in the meeting to give the media “the correct picture of the ground reality,” according to Jnanendra. “The HC order will be complied with fully,” he added.

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