Karnataka withdraws 2022 uniform order, allows hijab, sacred threads in schools

In a major reversal of the controversial 2022 hijab policy, the Karnataka government on Wednesday formally withdrew its earlier uniform order with immediate effect and allowed students to wear limited community, traditional and customary symbols, including hijabs and sacred threads, along with prescribed school uniforms.

The order withdraws the government order dated February 5, 2022, which had triggered a nationwide political and legal controversy over hijabs in educational institutions.

According to the notification, all government schools, aided educational institutions, private educational institutions and pre-university colleges across Karnataka will continue to prescribe and enforce uniforms as per institutional requirements and government rules.

At the same time, students will now be allowed to wear limited community, traditional and customary symbols along with the prescribed uniform. The government clarified that these symbols must remain supplementary to the uniform and must not replace, alter or defeat the essential purpose of the prescribed uniform.

HIJAB, SACRED THREAD AMONG PERMITTED SYMBOLS

The government specifically listed the following permissible



symbols:

. Hijab (headscarf)

. Janivara or sacred thread

. Shivadhara

. Rudraksha

. Sharavastra

The order also allowed other similar community, traditional and customary symbols, provided they do not interfere with discipline, safety or student identification.

The Karnataka government clarified that saffron shawls would not be permitted, stating that they do not fall under religion, while sacred threads are allowed.

?No student shall be denied entry to an educational institution, classroom, examination hall, or academic activities merely because they are wearing such limited traditional and customary symbols along with the prescribed uniform,? the order stated.

The government also emphasised that students cannot be compelled either to wear or not wear such customary symbols.

?No student shall be compelled to wear such traditional and customary symbols. Likewise, no student shall be forcibly prevented from wearing? them, the order stated.

However, the government added that national and state-level dress code regulations may be applied appropriately by the concerned authorities during examinations.