In a significant development, Karnataka's Minister for School Education and Literacy Madhu Bangarappa has announced the rollback of the 2022 order on school uniforms, which had sparked a heated debate and controversy across the state. The order, implemented by the previous BJP government, led to students wearing hijab being barred from entering classrooms, particularly in the coastal town of Udupi, where six Muslim girls were initially prevented from entering their classroom.
The controversy snowballed into a massive issue, with the issue reaching the High Court and eventually the Supreme Court. While the rollback was a key manifesto promise of the Congress party, which came to power after the 2023 elections, the government had been dragging its feet on the issue for nearly three years. In fact, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had made a public announcement a few months after the party's victory, stating that people can "wear whatever they want, eat whatever they want." However, he clarified the next day that no formal order had been issued and that the government was only considering revocation after discussion with officials.
The 2022 order on school uniforms had been a contentious issue, with many arguing that it was an infringement on the rights of students to wear attire of their choice. The rollback of the order is seen as a significant victory for the Congress government, which has been trying to address the concerns of various sections of society. The decision is also expected to bring relief to students who had been facing difficulties due to the uniform order.
The rollback of the order is also seen as a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and diversity in schools. By allowing students to wear hijab and other attire, the government is sending a strong message that every student has the right to wear what makes them comfortable and confident. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the education sector, particularly in regions where students had been facing difficulties due to the uniform order.
The decision to roll back the order is also seen as a significant move towards healing the wounds of the past. The controversy surrounding the uniform order had created a lot of tension and animosity among different sections of society. The rollback of the order is expected to help in rebuilding trust and promoting a sense of unity and harmony among students, parents, and teachers.
