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Karnataka Withdraws 2022 Hijab Ban, Allows 'Limited Religious Symbols' With Uniforms in Educational Institutions

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
13 May 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:February 5, 2022December 2021April 23
Bodies:Karnataka GovernmentSchool Development and Monitoring Committees
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Karnataka's Congress government withdrew the February 2022 uniform order issued by the previous BJP government, which had banned hijabs and other religious attire.

2.The new order allows students to wear 'limited religious or faith-based symbols' such as hijab, peta, janivara, and rudrakshi, provided they complement and do not replace the uniform.

3.The reversal is a major policy change with implications for religious freedom, educational discipline, and the intersection of state policy and personal identity, a key area for Polity and Governance questions.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The Karnataka government has formally reversed its 2022 uniform order that banned religious attire like the hijab in classrooms. The new policy permits 'limited religious or faith-based symbols' to be worn alongside the prescribed uniform, marking a significant shift in the state's approach to religious expression in educational institutions.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Original Ban Order DateFebruary 5, 2022
Controversy Erupted InUdupi, December 2021
Key Minister AnnouncingMadhu Bangarappa, School Education and Literacy Minister
Incident Cited for ChangeStudents forced to remove sacred thread (janeu) during KCET on April 23

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Original Ban Order Date: February 5, 2022
  • ›Controversy Erupted In: Udupi, December 2021
  • ›Target this Data: February 5, 2022 (Date of the original ban order)
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Karnataka's Department of School Education and Literacy (implementing ministry)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Article 25 of the Constitution (Freedom of Religion - the underlying principle)

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which state government department is primarily responsible for implementing the revised uniform policy discussed in the news?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Karnataka uniform policy change:

1. The original order banning religious attire was issued by the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government in February 2022.

2. The new order permits students to wear any religious attire of their choice, even if it replaces the school uniform.

3. The policy reversal was influenced by an incident where students were asked to remove their sacred threads during an entrance examination.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, on which date was the original government order issued that banned religious attire like the hijab in Karnataka's educational institutions?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of the new Karnataka government order regarding religious symbols in schools, as per the statements of the ministers?

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