Karnataka allows school students to wear hijab, withdraws BJP govt’s 2022 order

The Karnataka government has withdrawn the 2022 hijab ban order and will now allow students to wear hijab, janivara and turbans in schools along with uniforms, reigniting debate in the state.

Bengaluru: Karnataka government has withdrawn the controversial 2022 order issued during the previous BJP administration that restricted the wearing of hijab in educational institutions.

The new Congress-led government has now decided to allow students to wear religious attire and symbols in schools alongside the prescribed uniform. The move is expected to come into effect before the start of the new academic session and has already triggered fresh political discussion in the state.

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 New Rules To Permit Religious Symbols

According to the proposed guidelines being prepared by the Education Department, students will be allowed to wear hijab, janivara (sacred thread), turbans, scarves, rudraksha, Shivadhara and traditional headgear while attending classes and examinations.

Officials said these symbols and attire will be permitted along with the mandatory school uniform, and the framework aims to maintain discipline while respecting religious and cultural practices.

Madhu Bangarappa said the government framed the policy after discussions on issues faced by students during examinations and school activities.

Background Of The 2022 Hijab Controversy

The hijab issue became a major political and legal controversy in Karnataka in 2022 after several Muslim students were reportedly denied entry into classrooms because their headscarves were not considered part of the official uniform.

The then BJP government led by B. S. Yediyurappa introduced an order directing students to strictly follow prescribed uniforms in educational institutions.

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The decision later reached the Karnataka High Court, which upheld the government order and observed that wearing hijab was not an essential religious practice under Islam. The issue had sparked protests, counter-protests and national political debate at the time.

Government Says Move Is For Student Welfare

The Karnataka government said the revised approach is intended to avoid inconvenience to students because of their traditional or religious practices. Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa stated that the Chief Minister had instructed the department to finalise the framework before the beginning of the academic year.

He said the rules are aimed at creating clarity in schools and ensuring students are not forced into difficult situations over religious identity or cultural customs.