Controversy in Maharashtra school over restrictions on traditional symbols

A private school in Maharashtra has come under scrutiny after parents alleged that students were asked to remove traditional symbols such as tilak, bindi, bangles, rakhi, and sacred threads while on campus.

In response, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has issued a notice to the school, seeking a detailed explanation.

The controversy surfaced after multiple parents claimed that their children were not only instructed to remove these religious or cultural symbols but, in some cases, had tilak marks forcibly wiped off.

Some also alleged that students were warned of disciplinary action or physically reprimanded if they continued wearing them.

Concerned over the reported incidents, parents approached local representatives, who escalated the issue to the KDMC education department.

Acting on the complaints, the civic body sent a formal notice to the school administration on Sept 30, asking for clarification regarding the alleged actions and restrictions.

“Immediately after receiving the complaints, the department issued a notice to the school,” said a KDMC official. “We are confident the matter will be resolved soon. There is no need to escalate the issue. The parents and school management will find an amicable solution.”

In its official statement, the school management denied imposing any such ban on religious or cultural symbols. “The school has not issued any fatwa,” the statement read.

It further added that student safety is a priority and the institution aims to maintain a harmonious relationship between parents, teachers, and the management.

Local political workers have also taken an interest in the issue, raising it with the civic body and urging immediate action.

KDMC officials confirmed that the matter is still under review and further steps will be based on the school’s response.

“The department acted immediately after receiving the complaints. The issue will be addressed amicably, and there is no need to escalate it further,” another KDMC official said.

For now, civic authorities have emphasized that their priority is to address parents’ concerns without disrupting the academic environment of the school. The next course of action will depend on the explanation submitted by the school.