Karnataka Government Bans Saffron-Colored Scarves in Schools, Warns of Legal Action The Karnataka government has issued a directive prohibiting students from wearing saffron-colored scarves in state-run schools. Education Minister Madhu Bandarapp warned that anyone found wearing such scarves will face legal consequences, emphasizing that the policy is strictly enforced. The announcement comes ahead of the academic year, which begins on June 1, and follows ongoing debates over religious attire in educational institutions. Bandarapp clarified that the government’s stance on hijab and other religious symbols remains consistent with its existing policies. He stated that the state has already addressed concerns raised by the public regarding hijab, asserting that the government’s approach aligns with principles of equality. However, he criticized the BJP for framing the issue as a matter of hijab, contrasting it with the government’s emphasis on equal opportunities for all students. The directive specifies that students in primary to secondary classes (grades 1 to 12) are allowed to wear traditional religious symbols such as hijab, Shivdhar, and Rudrakshi. These items are permitted as part of cultural and religious practices, but the government has explicitly barred the introduction of new attire like saffron scarves. Bandarapp reiterated that the state’s policy does not support the adoption of new religious symbols not traditionally observed in schools. The minister also urged the BJP to review the rules governing central schools, suggesting that the party should first understand the existing guidelines before making claims about uniform policies. This statement highlights the political dimension of the issue, as the government seeks to differentiate its approach from opposition narratives.#bjp #karnataka_government #madhu_bandarapp #karnataka_schools #religious_attire
