Karnataka Gov to Lift Hijab Ban: CM Siddaramaiah Says
The Karnataka state government has made a landmark decision to revoke the ban on hijabs in state-run educational institutions, marking an end to a contentious and polarizing rule. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision during a public gathering in Mysuru, emphasizing the importance of individual freedoms and the right to personal choices in attire.
During the address, Siddaramaiah expressed support for diverse dressing preferences, asserting that the decision to wear a hijab or any attire rested upon the simple principle that individuals have distinct ways of presenting themselves. "The order imposing restrictions on wearing hijabs will be withdrawn. You are free to wear a hijab now," Siddaramaiah affirmed, signaling an official retreat from the controversial ban.
He further underscored the government's stance on personal choices, stating, "What you wear and what you eat is your decision. How can the government intervene in that? Your choice of attire and food is your right, and the same goes for others." This announcement comes after the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) administration in the state enforced the ban on hijabs in educational institutions, a move upheld by the Karnataka High Court in March of the preceding year, citing hijab-wearing as non-essential to Islamic religious practice.
The decision to rescind the ban on hijabs is seen as a significant step toward upholding individual freedoms and respecting diverse cultural and religious practices. Siddaramaiah, addressing the public, emphasized that women could freely choose to wear a hijab and move about without restriction.
This decision is expected to promote inclusivity and respect for personal beliefs, setting a precedent for acknowledging and accommodating diverse cultural practices within educational settings across the state of Karnataka. The revocation of the hijab ban aligns with a broader shift towards fostering an environment of acceptance, tolerance, and celebration of diversity within educational institutions.
