NewsFlash Daily™
14 May 
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defends the state’s revised school uniform policy, allowing limited religious symbols, while opposition parties accuse the government of triggering a fresh political and legal controversy
Mysuru: A fresh political storm has erupted in Karnataka after the state government formally withdrew its 2022 uniform order and introduced a revised policy allowing students to wear limited traditional and faith-based symbols alongside prescribed school uniforms.
The move has reignited the state’s politically sensitive uniform debate, with opposition leaders accusing the government of reopening a controversial issue that had earlier reached the courts.
Defending the decision, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the government has not granted permission only for hijabs, but for symbols across communities.
“We have not allowed only hijab. We have allowed Janivara, Shivadhara, Rudraksha, and traditional turbans as well,” Siddaramaiah said while addressing the media in Mysuru.
What the New Government Order Says
According to the revised education department order issued on May 13, students in government, aided, and private educational institutions can wear religious or traditional symbols such as:
* Hijab or headscarf
* Janivara (sacred thread)
* Shivadhara
* Rudraksha beads
* Traditional turban (Pete)
The order states that such symbols are allowed only if they do not affect discipline, safety, identification, or the purpose of the prescribed uniform.
Opposition Attacks Government
Opposition leaders, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party, have strongly criticized the move, claiming the government is reviving a socially sensitive issue for political reasons.
Several leaders argued that the previous uniform guidelines had received support from the Karnataka High Court, while the matter remains legally sensitive.
Political reactions from coastal Karnataka, especially Udupi, have further intensified the debate, with local leaders warning of protests against the decision.
Support From Community Leaders
Meanwhile, several social and community leaders welcomed the government’s move, saying the new order protects students’ educational rights while respecting cultural and religious identity.
The Congress government says the policy is aimed at ensuring that no student is denied access to education because of permitted traditional attire.
As political reactions continue to pour in, Karnataka appears headed toward another intense public debate over education, identity, constitutional rights, and institutional discipline.
