Karnataka government order says no to hijab, saffron shawls in minority institutions

The circular mentions that it is issued after it has come to the notice that women students are attending classes in hijab

Amid the confusion surrounding the Karnataka High Court’s interim order on restraining students from wearing the hijab, saffron stoles and scarfs, the Minority Welfare, Hajj and Waqf department on Thursday directed all schools functioning under it to abide by the court’s orders and bar students from wearing religious attire.

With almost all schools and colleges enforcing the no-hijab rule citing compliance with the high court’s interim order, several Muslim organisations and ulemas had condemned the move and sought direction and interpretation from the government and high court. Further, schools like boarding schools and Moulana Azad model schools, where minority community (Muslim) students constitute 80-90% of the strength, the HC’s interim order led to confusion with many still attending classes with hijabs.

Clearing the air, the state government’s circular quoting the HC’s interim order directed all schools and colleges under the Minorities Welfare department not to allow saffron stoles, scarfs and hijabs in classrooms. Major Manivannan P, secretary, Minority Welfare, Hajj and Waqf department told DH, “All schools coming under our department already have a prescribed uniform notified by the government. Hence, we cannot violate the orders of the government and the high court.”

Another official said schools were confused given the fact that many students and teachers belonged to the minority community. “But with the prescribed uniforms, we are bound by the HC’s interim order. So, the court’s interim order is applicable to us as well. There were reports that these schools were allowing children with hijabs. Now, the order clears all the confusion,” the officer revealed.

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