Karnataka makes uniform mandatory for college students
New directive will enable colleges to implement ban on hijab in classrooms
The Karnataka government has made uniform compulsory for Pre-University Course (PUC) students from academic year 2022-23.
The directives form a part of the guidelines issued for the PUC students.
According to sources, the ruling BJP took the decision considering the possibility of a hijab crisis, once the PU classes restart. The SSLC (Class 10) results were announced yesterday in the state and admissions for the PU colleges will begin from Friday.
In the guidelines issued by the Education Department for 2020-21 academic year, uniforms were not compulsory.
Sources in the Education Department said that the new rule will empower college managements to implement a ban on hijab in classrooms.
Several parents and students have questioned the government’s decision. However, the Special Bench of Karnataka High Court stated that wearing of uniform is compulsory for students.
Challenge dismissed
The court also dismissed the petition challenging the uniform rule and asking for the right to wear hijab in classrooms. The petitioners have approached the Supreme Court on the matter.
Giving no scope for any confusion regarding wearing of hijab, the guidelines mentioned that uniforms prescribed by the School Development and Management Committee (SDMC) are compulsory for PUC students.
The new circular stated that in case of SDMC not prescribing any uniform, students are recommended to wear a garment that will maintain equality and unity and it underlined that it should not disturb public order.
Hijab row, which made international news, began with the six girl students launching a protest demanding rights to wear hijab in classes. The protest for hijab which started in Udupi Girl’s Pre-University College, spread across the state.
The issue took a communal turn and threatened the law and order situation in the state. The crisis resulted in a chain of disturbing events causing social unrest in the state.