Karnataka Allows Hijab, Turban and Sacred Symbols in Schools Under New Uniform Rules

The Karnataka government on Wednesday issued fresh guidelines permitting students to wear limited traditional and faith-based symbols , including hijab, turban, janeu, Shivadhara and Rudraksha , along with prescribed uniforms in schools and pre-university colleges across the state.

The move effectively replaces the February 5, 2022 order issued by the previous BJP government, which had banned hijab in educational institutions following statewide controversy over hijab and saffron scarves.

The new order stated that no student should be denied education or discriminated against solely for wearing permitted traditional or faith-based symbols, provided they do not affect discipline, safety, identification or public order.

“Permissible traditional and faith-based symbols may include items commonly worn by students such as turban, Janeu, Shivadhara, Rudraksha, hijab or similar forms,” the order said.

The Congress government said educational institutions are constitutional spaces meant to promote equality, dignity, fraternity, scientific temper and secular values. It added that secularism does not mean opposition to personal beliefs, but equal respect and institutional neutrality .

The order directed school and college authorities to ensure that no student faces discrimination, humiliation or denial of entry into classrooms, examinations or academic activities for wearing permitted symbols.

School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said the guidelines aim to ensure that students up to Class 12 face no issues in practising accepted religious customs. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao described the move as allowing “limited customary practices” without hurting anyone’s sentiments.

Reacting sharply, BJP leader R Ashoka accused the Congress government of reviving the hijab issue for “vote-bank politics” and termed the move “anti-Hindu.”