No saffron shawls to be allowed in schools: K’taka CM

Mohammed Saad Belgami, Ameer-e-Halqa of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka, welcomed the withdrawal of the 2022 order, saying it would help Muslim girls pursue education with dignity and urged peaceful implementation and non-discrimination on campuses.

Union minister Pralhad Joshi questioned why a decision was taken while the hijab matter was pending before the Supreme Court, arguing that uniform codes aim to foster equality but the Congress government is bringing religion into the policy. He described the move as divisive and accused the Centre of opposing a uniform civil code.

In Mysuru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said saffron shawls would not be permitted in educational institutions and that only practices already in existence would be recognised under the revised policy. He added that turbans, sacred threads, rudraksha and hijab could be worn, but nothing new would be introduced as part of the school-uniform policy.

The BJP government issued an order on February 5, 2022 that effectively barred hijabs inside classrooms, leading to protests, legal challenges and headlines across India after Muslim students in parts of the state were denied entry to classrooms for wearing hijab.