Bengaluru

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind on Thursday welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to allow students to wear the hijab in educational institutions, describing the move as a positive step towards protecting religious freedom and educational rights.

In a statement issued in Bengaluru, Mohammed Saad Belgami, Ameer-e-Halqa of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, said the decision would help Muslim girl students continue their education without fear, uncertainty or unnecessary obstacles.

He said the hijab controversy over the past few years had disrupted the educational environment for several students and created anxiety among them and their families.

“Educational institutions should be safe spaces where students can pursue their education with dignity, confidence and a sense of security,” Belgami said.

He added that the withdrawal of the February 5, 2022 government order reflected respect for constitutional guarantees relating to religious freedom, educational rights and other safeguards enshrined in the Constitution of India.

Belgami further said recognising the hijab alongside other religious symbols was in line with India’s pluralistic and inclusive traditions.

He also urged the Education Department and managements of educational institutions to implement the decision in a cordial manner and ensure campuses remain peaceful, respectful, dignified and free from discrimination.

The Karnataka government on May 13 issued an order permitting students to wear the hijab, sacred thread, shivadhara and rudraksha in schools.

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The move comes after the previous Bharatiya Janata Party government had barred the hijab in government school campuses during the statewide hijab-versus-saffron scarf controversy in 2022.