In the wake of a raging controversy over wearing hijab, the Karnataka government has ordered a ban on clothes which disturb equality, integrity and public order in schools and colleges.
The state government has invoked 133 (2) of the Karnataka Education Act-1983, which says a uniform style of clothes has to be worn compulsorily. The private school administration may choose a uniform of their choice, the order stated.
Students have to wear the dress chosen by the College Development Committee or the appellate committee of the administrative board of the pre-university colleges, which come under the pre-university education department.
“In the event of administrative committee not selecting a uniform, clothes which disturb equality, integrity and public law and order should not be worn,” the government order said.
The Basavaraj Bommai government said the directive was for the “benefit of all students”, noting that a common uniform ensures that they belong to a common family and behave in a manner that leaves no room for discrimination.
READ | After hijab row in Karnataka, Hindu groups ‘force’ boys to wear saffron shawls in classrooms
HIJAB IS OUR RIGHT: CONGRESS MLA
Congress MLA from Karnataka Kaneez Fatima slammed the Karnataka government order, calling it a bid to saffronize educational institutes in the state.
“If I can enter the assembly wearing hijab, then why aren’t these girls in school or college? Why all of a sudden there is an attempt to give saffron color to educational institutions? Hijab is our right. We can give our lives but we cannot leave hijab,” she said.
BJP leader CT Ravi lashed out at the Congress for creating an “unnecessary controversy” on the issue and appealed to students to focus on their education instead.
“There should be only school uniforms in school. Congress is doing unnecessary controversy and creating a gap between students. I appeal to students to focus on their education. Education will decide their future, not the uniform,” CT Ravi said.
READ | Rahul Gandhi reacts on Karnataka hijab row, says robbing future of daughters of India
WHAT IS THE HIJAB CONTROVERSY?
The row over the hijab erupted in January when Muslim schoolgirls in Udupi and Chikkamagaluru began attending classes wearing the head scarf. In protest, the Hindu students came to school 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.
Last month, the state Education Department had said that it will constitute a committee to formulate guidelines on uniforms at PU colleges across the state.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders have backed Muslim girl students’ choice to wear hijab, while the ruling BJP said it will not allow ‘Talibanisation’ of educational institutions.
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