Karnataka revokes hijab ban, allows school uniform with religious symbols under new rules

Karnataka’s government has officially withdrawn its February 2022 uniform policy, permitting students in government and private schools, as well as pre-university colleges, to wear religious symbols such as hijabs, turbans, and sacred threads alongside prescribed uniforms. The decision follows an April incident at a Bangalore college, where students’ sacred threads were cut before an exam, prompting suspensions for three professors and legal action for disturbing communal harmony. The new guidelines emphasize that such symbols must not interfere with institutional discipline, safety, or academic functions. Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa stated that incidents like these should not hinder students’ religious practices or future prospects, citing pressure from parents, associations, and state leaders. The move reverses a 2022 BJP-led ban that sparked protests and restricted hijab-wearing in schools. Opposition BJP leaders accused the ruling Congress government of exploiting the issue for political gain, arguing the 2022 order was quietly reversed to appease voters. The BJP had previously faced backlash for enforcing strict uniform rules, including blocking Muslim students from classes while wearing hijabs. The government’s order frames education as a tool for fostering inclusivity and constitutional values, allowing limited religious expression while maintaining uniformity. The policy change reflects broader tensions between secularism and religious freedom in India’s education system.