Bengaluru: The Karnataka Government has officially sanctioned wearing of traditional and faith-based symbols, including the hijab, 'Janeu' (sacred thread), and turbans, alongside prescribed school uniforms. This new directive, issued on Wednesday, effectively overturns a 2022 ban implemented by the previous administration.

Under the fresh guidelines, students in schools and pre-university colleges can now wear items such as the Shivadhara and Rudraksha, provided they do not interfere with institutional discipline, safety or student identification.

A shift toward inclusive education

The order emphasises that no student should face discrimination or be denied entry to academic activities based on their religious attire. By permitting these "limited traditional practices”, the government aims to foster a secular and inclusive environment. The directive states, "Permissible traditional and faith-based symbols may include items commonly worn by students such as turban, Janeu, Shivadhara, Rudraksha, hijab or similar forms. However, such items shall not affect discipline, safety or identification of students."

The government reiterated that secularism in a constitutional sense implies "equal respect, institutional neutrality and non-discriminatory conduct" rather than an opposition to personal beliefs. To ensure smooth implementation, the order directs school management committees and heads of institutions to uphold the principle of "Iva Nammava" (He/She is ours), inspired by the 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwara.

Ministerial support and political backlash

School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa clarified that the order aims to resolve past controversies, such as the forced removal of sacred threads during examinations. Bangarappa stated, "Through the Education Department, in all schools under our department up to Class 12, there should not be any kind of problem for children (in sporting their religious symbols)." Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao added that these limited practices are allowed so that "nobody should be hurt”.

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition. BJP leader R Ashoka accused the Congress-led government of practicing "vote-bank politics and excessive appeasement”. He warned that the decision would alienate the Hindu community, stating, "Whoever criticises Hindus or does injustice to them, the entire Hindu community is standing united and teaching them a lesson."

PTI