Karnataka revokes 2022 hijab order, permits religious symbols with uniform

The Karnataka government has revoked a 2022 order that effectively barred hijabs in classrooms with prescribed uniforms. The new directive allows students to wear limited religious and traditional symbols, such as the hijab, turban, and sacred thread, along with institutional uniforms, provided they do not interfere with discipline, safety, or student identification. Educational institutions are intended to promote scientific temper, rationality, equality, and social harmony. The decision formally scraps a rule introduced by the previous government during the hijab controversy in 2022.