Karnataka Lifts Ban On Religious Celebrations In Govt Residential Schools, Colleges After Backlash

The decision was taken after Karnataka government's directive received criticism from various quarters, including the Opposition.

Earlier, Karnataka government also backtracked from its decision to permit hijab in education institutions. ( Image Source :X/@Siddaramaiah )

Karnataka government revoked its order against the celebration of religious festivals in government-run residential schools and colleges after a backlash on Thursday.

Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) issued a circular prohibiting the celebration of religious festivals within the premises of residential schools and colleges falling under the purview of the Social Welfare Department earlier on Thursday.

The state government's directive received criticism from various quarters, including the Opposition.

However, later in the evening, the KREIS revoked the circular which permitted only national, regional festivals and the anniversaries of significant personalities in the residential facilities. The previous directive had permitted only the celebration of a few events such as Republic Day, Independence Day, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, Kannada Rajyotsava, B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti, Valmiki Jayanti, Kanakadasa Jayanti, Basava Jayanti, Constitution Day, and Yoga Day.

Earlier, Karnataka government also backtracked from its decision to permit hijab in education institutions. A day after making a statement that the state would revoke the hijab ban in education institutions, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah backtracked and claimed that he only meant that lifting the ban was still under consideration. 

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara later clarified that any decision regarding the lifting of the hijab ban in educational institutions within the state would be made following a comprehensive evaluation and in accordance with the constitutional framework.

After the initial announcement of the state government on revoking the hijab ban, Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa said: "CM Siddaramaiah's decision to withdraw the hijab ban in educational institutions raises concerns about the secular nature of our educational spaces. By allowing religious attire in educational institutions @siddaramaiah govt is promoting dividing young minds along religious lines, potentially hindering the inclusive learning environment."