Karnataka PUC, Degree Colleges to Reopen from 16th February, confirms Education Minister BC Nagesh

Karnataka PU, Degree Colleges Reopening: Amid the ongoing Karnataka Hijab Row Protests in the state, the State Government has given its nod for the reopening of colleges. Karnataka PU Colleges and Degree Colleges will reopen for offline classes from 16^th February 2022 – Wednesday. The announcement about the reopening of colleges in Karnataka was formally made by State Primary and Secondary Education Minister, BC Nagesh on Monday. The announcement was made in the form of a tweet sent out from his official Twitter handle.

Decision at High-level Review Meeting

As per Mr Nagesh, the decision to allow the reopening of PU Colleges and Degree Colleges in the state was taken at a high-level review meeting convened today. The meeting was chaired by Karnataka Chief minister BS Bommai who was joined by State Home Minister Araga Jnanendra and Higher Education Minister Dr. Ashwathnarayan C. N. During the meeting, CM assessed the prevailing situation and gave orders for the reopening of colleges. Mr Nagesh also added that CM Bommai  has also instructed the state officials to carry out the necessary police bandobust to ensure the safe return of students back to campus and maintain peace and harmony throughout the state.

Karnataka Hijab Row – HC Hearing

The controversy around the wearing of Hijabs on Campus erupted when a few girl students were not allowed to sit for their classes at a PU College in Udupi District. They alleged that they had been denied the right to education due to their wearing hijabs and held protests outside the campus. In response, a few other students’ groups also held protests against wearing. Soon the situation escalated with reports of minor scuffles and stone-pelting being reported from college campuses across the state. Following this, the state government had ordered the closure of schools and colleges until 14^th February 2022. Earlier, the state government permitted the reopening of schools for up to Class 10 students from Monday and now has given permission to reopen PU and Degree Colleges from Wednesday onwards.

Meanwhile, a group of girls have also moved Karnataka High Court demanding the right to education without being discriminated against for wearing hijabs. The case is being heard by a 3-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi. The bench also consists of Justice Krishna S. Dixit and Justice Khaji Jaibunnesa Mohiyuddin. As its interim order, the High Court had restrained students from wearing religious outfits, including hijabs or saffron scarfs on campus, until final judgement is delivered.

Also Read Karnataka Hijab Row: SC says No to Urgent Hearing, will take up the plea at an 'appropriate time'