Kerala hijab row: V Sivankutty urges school-level consensus, says no child should be denied education

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Wednesday commented on the hijab row at St. Rita’s Public School in Palluruthi, Kochi, saying it would be best if the issue were resolved through consensus at the school level.

“If there is consensus, let it end there. No one has the right to deny education. The parent has changed their earlier stance and has no objection now. No child should be denied education,” Sivankutty said.

Earlier, citing an inquiry report, the minister stated that removing a student from class for wearing a hijab amounted to a serious violation of duty and a breach of the Right to Education Act.

“The report states that the school’s action was contrary to the fundamental religious freedoms guaranteed to citizens under the Indian Constitution,” Sivankutty said.

The principal of St. Rita’s Public School maintained that the student remains enrolled but reiterated the school’s stand on uniformity. “We follow the management’s policy,” the principal said.

The school’s legal adviser criticised the minister’s remarks, saying he had not fully examined the issue before commenting. “At a time when gender-neutral uniforms are being implemented, the minister’s statement is not acceptable. He should reconsider his position,” the adviser said.

Background

The issue arose following a dispute between the parents of an eighth-standard student and the school over the student wearing a hijab. It came to public attention after a letter from Sister Heleena Alby, Principal of St. Rita’s Public School, announcing holidays on Monday and Tuesday, circulated on social media.

In the letter, the principal explained that pressure from a student who arrived without the prescribed uniform, accompanied by her parents and certain outsiders, had caused distress among some students and staff, prompting them to request leave. After consulting the executive members of the PTA, the management decided to declare holidays on October 13 and 14.