Karnataka govt bars saffron shawls in educational institutions

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on May 14 clarified that saffron shawls would not be permitted inside educational institutions, days after the state government withdrew a February 2022 order introduced by the previous BJP administration that had effectively barred hijabs in classrooms.

Addressing reporters in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah said the revised position of the government allows students to continue following established religious practices but does not open the door for new forms of religious display in schools and colleges.

“Saffron shawls are not allowed. Those shawls cannot be worn. Turbans, sacred thread, Shiva dhara, rudraksha, and hijab can also be worn,” he said.

The chief minister stressed that the government would only permit practices that were already traditionally followed and would not allow new additions under the revised policy framework.

“When we say turbans, we mean practices that already exist. Nothing new can be introduced,” Siddaramaiah said.

The clarification came amid criticism from right-wing organizations and political leaders after the Congress-led government withdrew the earlier order linked to the hijab controversy.

Several right-wing groups had threatened to wear saffron shawls inside classrooms in response to the government’s decision, accusing the Congress administration of appeasement politics.

BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya criticized the move and alleged that the state government had “surreptitiously” weakened the uniform policy followed in educational institutions.

“Uniform means uniform. Classrooms are for education, not religious signaling," Malviya said.

He further accused the Congress government of promoting “vote-bank politics” and appeasement.

The Karnataka government defended its position, arguing that students’ education should not be affected because of religious identity or traditional customs.

State minister Madhu Bangarappa said the administration was committed to protecting students’ educational interests while respecting constitutional freedoms.

“Religious practices shouldn't come in between students' education and future. Our constitution allows all religions,” Bangarappa said.

The debate surrounding dress codes in Karnataka educational institutions first gained national attention in 2022 after protests and legal disputes emerged over the wearing of hijabs in classrooms under the BJP government’s order.