Minister talks tough on school uniforms

Shilpa P. | NT

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education BC Nagesh told media persons on Sunday that girls who come wearing a hijab and not their uniform will not be allowed in schools. “All schools must compulsorily follow the new order related to the uniform; otherwise action will be initiated against them as per the law. The order is passed under the Education Act, Rule 11,” he said.

“We do not want any girl to be robbed off her education. The education policy is not made by the BJP government. It was in force even when the Congress government was in power. The order related to the uniform was passed under the same rule of the Education Act. None should do needless politics with it. And, children should not be used as weapons for political gains,” the minister said.

Speaking about expansion of the cabinet, he said, “That discussion is happening only in the media, not in our party. Whatever it may be, these matters are handled by the chief minister and our high command. Chief Minister Mr Basavaraj Bommai has gone to Delhi to discuss the State budget with our central leaders. This is normal, and not be misinterpreted.”

Meanwhile, KPCC Working President R Druvanarayan has said that the issue related to the hijab is nothing but a political conspiracy. “Some RSS workers are fanning it to balance their recent political setbacks, he said.