Amid a row over the wearing of Hijab (headscarf) and saffron shawls by students at educational institutions, the Karnataka government on Saturday issued an order and banned the wearing of any such clothes that “disturb equality, integrity, and public order in schools and colleges”. It further stated that the College Development Committee’s decision on dress code will be final and will be applicable for all government PU colleges of the state.
“Invoking 133 (2) of the Karnataka Education Act-1983, which says a uniform style of clothes has to be worn compulsorily. The private school administration can choose a uniform of their choice,” the government order said.
“For the dress code in private colleges, the management committees to take the decision. However, in cases where the committee hasn’t passed any orders on dress code, the students are asked to wear attire that promotes unity, uniformity and doesn’t disturb public order,” the government order reads.
Read|Hijab Row: Won’t Allow ‘Talibanisation’ of Education System, Says Karnataka BJP Chief
The government order also noted that the KEA-1983 had explained that all students should wear a common uniform so that they should belong to a common family and behave in a manner that there is no discrimination. The order also said that the second pre-university or the 12th standard is crucial for the students in their life.
A common programme has been chalked out for all the schools and colleges in Karnataka for the benefit of students, the order said. “However, the education department has noticed that in some education institutions, the boys and girls have started behaving according to their religion, which hurts the equality and unity,” it added.
The order also cited the rulings of the Supreme Court and various High Courts in India in favour of uniform. Initially the controversy was restricted to Udupi and Chikkamagaluru in the beginning of January as Muslim girls started attending classes wearing Hijab. In protest, the Hindu students started attending classes wearing saffron scarves around their neck. Gradually the issue spread to other parts of the state where Muslim girls demanded permission to attend classes wearing head scarves.
The issue of Hijab had snowballed into a major controversy with political parties striving to derive mileage over it. While the Congress leaders backed Hijab, the BJP said it will not allow ‘Talibanisation’ of education institutions.
(with inputs from PTI)
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