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Karnataka allows 'limited' religious symbols with uniforms, revoking 2022 order that triggered hijab row

Karnataka's Minister for School Education and Literacy, Madhu Bangarappa, announced the withdrawal of the 2022 uniform and dress code order, replacing it with a new directive. The new order permits students to wear "limited" traditional and faith-based symbols, such as sacred threads and headscarves, along with prescribed uniforms in schools and colleges. This move effectively revokes the previous BJP government's order that had led to the hijab ban. The decision follows an incident where students were asked to remove 'janivaras' during an entrance test, prompting a review of the issue to maintain institutional discipline while respecting individual beliefs.

• Karnataka government has withdrawn the 2022 order on uniforms and dress code in educational institutions.
• A new order allows "limited" traditional and faith-based symbols, including sacred threads and headscarves, with uniforms.
• The previous 2022 order had been the basis for restrictions that led to the hijab row.