The Congress party on Saturday, August 12, has strongly opposed the Lakshadweep administration’s latest move to bring in a new school uniform pattern in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep islands. Showcasing dismay over the issue, the Congress party has also warned the lakshadweep administration of intense protests on the matter. Lakshadweep Congress leader and ex-MP Hamdullah Sayeed has alleged that the new uniform pattern is mum on hijab and scarves for girls, and it seeks to destroy the culture and lifestyle of the natives of the island, news agency PTI reported.
“The BJP-led government at the Centre and the Lakshadweep administration were continuously attempting to implement anti-people policies that were totally against the culture and ethos of the islands,” the Congress leader was quoted as saying by PTI.
“The latest on the list was the recent order issued by the Education Department introducing a new uniform code, which cannot be accepted in any way. "We will not allow any such directive that will destroy the culture and existing lifestyle of Lakshadweep. Such impositions are part of attempts to create unwanted tensions and issues in a democratic system, he was further reported as saying.
The congress leader further indicated that the Congress party would lead a democratic agitation against the move with students boycotting classes to participate in the protest. The party shall also intensify protests against permitting liquor outlets in the union territory, Sayeed said further.
Notably, the introduction of a new stitched school uniform pattern by the lakshadweep administration has stirred huge controversy in the Union Territory. While the new school uniform pattern includes belts, ties, shoes, socks, etc., it stays silent on hijabs or scarves for girl students in the muslim-majority Union Territory.
"Wearing items other than prescribed uniform patterns will affect the concept of uniformity among school children. To maintain discipline and uniform dress code in schools are the responsibility of principals and heads of schools," the official circular was reported as saying.
The Lakshadweep Education Department released a circular on August 10, stating that children wearing uniforms will instill uniformity and a sense of discipline among students. Recently, the Congress also staged protests at various islands in lakshadweep against the controversial draft on the proposed Excise Regulation Bill that aims at permitting sale and consumption of alcohol in the Union Territory. Presented by the Lakshadweep administration on August 3, to seek public suggestion, the draft proposal has received criticism from all parts of the Union Territory.
The circular further stated that the decision to introduce a new uniform pattern has been lauded by all stakeholders. It also instructed all school authorities under the jurisdiction of Lakshadweep administration to adhere to the new pattern on all working school days.
Meanwhile, NCP leader and Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Faizal has also hinted towards agitations against the administration's moves. In a Facebook post, Faizal has also urged parents to resist any step from the administration to ban hijab in schools.
Terming the new law and the Uniform Civil Code as a violation of fundamental rights, he further said that the administration is pushing the residents of the islands towards an unprecedented crisis, and urged everyone to unite together to protect the heritage and tradition of Lakshadweep. “Each law is imposed in such a way that it roots out the customs, religious beliefs, eating habits, and dressing patterns that have been followed by the islanders for ages,” he was quoted as saying.
(With inputs from PTI)
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