The Karnataka government revoked a 2022 uniform dress code that banned the hijab in schools, allowing students to wear religious symbols again [1].
This policy shift marks a significant reversal in the state's approach to religious expression in public education. By lifting the ban, the administration aims to restore personal liberty and religious freedom for students who previously faced disciplinary action or exclusion for wearing the hijab [3].
The government announced the revocation of the ban on May 13, 2024 [2]. The move effectively scraps the restrictive dress code implemented in 2022 [1]. Under the new guidance, students are permitted to wear religious symbols, which includes the return of the hijab and the janeu, a sacred thread worn by some Hindu students, to school settings [1].
This decision has triggered a backlash from various Hindu organizations within the state. In response to the government's order, these groups launched a "saffron shawl" campaign [4]. Protesters have taken to the streets to voice their opposition to the policy change, arguing against the lifting of the uniform restrictions [4].
The controversy centers on the balance between institutional uniformity and individual religious rights. The 2022 order had sought to standardize student attire to minimize religious distinctions in the classroom [1]. The current administration, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has moved to prioritize the rights of students to maintain their religious identity while pursuing an education [3].
While the government views the change as a step toward inclusivity, the organized protests suggest a deepening divide over the role of religion in public spaces. The saffron shawl campaign serves as a visible counter-movement to the reintegration of the hijab in schools [4].
“The state government revoked the 2022 uniform dress code that banned hijab.”
The reversal of the hijab ban reflects a broader political shift in Karnataka toward a more pluralistic interpretation of educational guidelines. However, the immediate emergence of the saffron shawl campaign indicates that the move has intensified communal tensions, transforming a school dress code into a symbolic battleground for religious and political identity in the region.
