Karnataka allows Hijab in institutions, Muslim body calls move positive

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind welcomed Karnataka’s decision permitting students to wear hijab and other faith-based symbols in educational institutions. The group said the move protects religious freedom and educational rights, urging smooth implementation to ensure peaceful and inclusive campus environments for students

Bengaluru: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind on Thursday welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision allowing students to wear the hijab in educational institutions, describing it as a positive step towards safeguarding religious freedom and educational rights.

In a statement issued here, Mohammed Saad Belgami, Ameer-e-Halqa of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, said the decision would help Muslim girl students continue their education without fear, uncertainty or unnecessary obstacles.

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He claimed that the hijab issue had affected the educational environment of several students and caused anxiety among students and their families over the past few years. “Educational institutions should be safe spaces where students can pursue their education with dignity, confidence and a sense of security,” Belgami said in the statement.

He said the withdrawal of the February 5, 2022, government order reflected respect for the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, educational rights and other safeguards enshrined in the Constitution of India. Belgami further stated that recognising the hijab alongside other religious symbols was in keeping with India’s pluralistic and inclusive traditions.

He also appealed to the Education Department and the management of educational institutions to implement the decision cordially and ensure campuses remained peaceful, respectful, dignified and free from all forms of discrimination.

The Karnataka government, on May 13, issued an order allowing students to wear the hijab, sacred thread, shivadhara and rudraksha (faith-based symbols) in schools. In the wake of statewide controversy over hijab versus saffron scarf in 2022, the BJP government had banned the former in government school campuses.