Karnataka Allows Religious Symbols in Schools

The government of India — Karnataka has withdrawn its February 5, 2022, order that banned religious symbols in schools and colleges. New guidelines have been issued, effective immediately, permitting students to wear 'limited traditional and faith-based symbols' such as turbans, sacred threads, Shiva beads, Rudraksha, and headscarves with their uniforms. This decision by the India — Indian National Congress government reverses a policy implemented by the previous India — Bharatiya Janata Party government, which had led to widespread protests and legal battles over the wearing of hijabs. The move was prompted by an incident on April 24 where a student's sacred thread was allegedly cut at a school. The India — Indian National Congress government states the revised guidelines aim to balance institutional discipline with constitutional values of equality, secularism, and inclusion. The India — Bharatiya Janata Party, through its leader R. Ashoka, has criticized the decision, accusing the India — Indian National Congress government of political appeasement.