Waqf Board To Start Self-funded Schools, Colleges In Karnataka That Allow Hijab

Following the hijab row in Karnataka, the state Waqf board has planned to start schools and ten colleges with its own funding across the state.

Karnataka Waqf board chairman Shafi Saadi said students in these institutions will be allowed to wear hijabs to class, unlike in government schools and colleges, which have banned the hijab.

These schools and colleges, which would have no autonomous rules and follow the board and universities’ rules are likely to be established in Mangaluru, Shivmogga, Hassan, Kodagu, Bijapur and Hubballi, among other places, as per India Today.

A total of Rs 25 crore has been allocated for these educational institutions.

Earlier this year, a two-judge Supreme Court bench gave a split verdict on the hijab row. Later it was referred to a nine-judge bench for a hearing.

Dismissing all the petitions in March this year, the Karnataka High Court said wearing of hijab is not an essential practice of Islam, and uniform is a reasonable restriction.