Karnataka government has withdrawn its controversial 2022 school uniform order and issued fresh guidelines allowing students to wear certain traditional and faith-based symbols, including the hijab, alongside prescribed uniforms in schools and pre-university colleges.

The new order revokes the earlier directive that had banned religious symbols with uniforms, a decision that had triggered a major political and legal debate over the wearing of the hijab in educational institutions.

Under the revised guidelines, students in government, aided, and private institutions can wear items such as turbans, sacred threads (Janeu), Shivadhara, Rudraksha beads, and hijabs, provided they do not affect discipline, safety, or student identification.

The government clarified that no student should be denied entry to classrooms, examinations, or academic activities for wearing permitted religious symbols with the uniform. It also stated that students cannot be forced either to wear or remove such symbols.

However, dress codes prescribed for national and state-level examinations will continue to remain in force during those exams.

The order directs educational institutions to implement the policy in a secular, neutral, and non-discriminatory manner while upholding constitutional values such as equality, dignity, fraternity, scientific temper, and the right to education. Any existing school or college rules contradicting the new guidelines will now be treated as invalid.

Madhu Bangarappa said the move was prompted by incidents where students were allegedly asked to remove religious symbols like sacred threads, causing distress to students and parents. He stressed that religious practices and accessories should not come in the way of education or students’ futures.

The revised order has been issued under provisions of the Karnataka Education Act, 1983, empowering the government to regulate educational institutions and maintain discipline and public order.

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