Karnataka allows religious symbols including hijab, controversial 2022 guidelines scrapped

The Karnataka government has officially scrapped the much-discussed and controversial 2022 guidelines on uniforms in educational institutions. According to the new decision, students will be able to use religious symbols to a limited extent in addition to the prescribed dress code for schools and pre-university colleges. This decision is being seen as a significant change in the state's education policy.

The new guidelines state that the legal restriction on the use of hijab for Muslim students has been effectively lifted. In addition, students will now be able to use various religious accessories such as turbans, Jainism, Sikhism and Rudraksha. However, these symbols must be compatible with the school uniform and must not create any hindrance in the security, identification or disciplinary system of the educational institution.

The government has further clarified that no student can be prevented from participating in the classroom, examinations or other educational activities due to the use of approved religious symbols. At the same time, no one can be forced to wear or remove religious symbols. Special emphasis has been given to ensuring a non-discriminatory environment in educational institutions.

It is worth noting that in 2022, the then Bharatiya Janata Party government had issued a directive banning religious clothing and symbols in educational institutions, which sparked widespread debate and legal battles across the country. The new decision of the current government is a reversal of the previous position and is being seen as a step towards building social harmony and an inclusive education system.