Bengaluru Police Commissioner Kamal Pant on Monday issued prohibitory orders in and around schools and colleges in the city till March 22…reports Asian Lite News
The order says that any gathering, agitation or protest of any type within the 200 metre area of schools, PU colleges, degree colleges or other similar education institutions in Bengaluru city has been extended for another two weeks.
Noting that in certain parts of the state, in the last few weeks, protests and agitations have been held in connection with the strict enforcement of uniform rules at schools and colleges, he said that since at many places, the protests have disturbed public peace and order, it is considered very essential to initiate proper security measures to maintain public peace and order in Bengaluru city.
The issue is still alive and possibility of holding protests for and against over the issue cannot be ruled out and hence the order has been issued, the Commissioner of Police said.
Hijab row has surfaced in colleges of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts. Girl students have objected to college authorities’ decision to turn them away from attending exams for wearing hijab.
The hijab row started as a small protest in the Udupi Government Girl’s Pre-University College by six girls has turned out be a major crisis in the state.
Presently, the High Court has completed hearing of arguments and reserved its verdict.
The total debt of the state went up from Rs 3.19 lakh crore to Rs 3.97 lakh crore, an increase of Rs 78,000 crore, forcing the government to put some ambitious and populist programmes in abeyance….reports Asian Lite News
Karnataka, which has vibrant automobile, agro, IT, aerospace, textile, biotech and heavy engineering industries, is showing a worrying trend due to impact of pandemic and natural calamities.
Despite being the cradle of startups and known as Silicon Valley of India, Karnataka took a huge hit on the financial resources from 2020-21 till date. The state’s public debt rose to 31.38 per cent between 2019-20 and 2020-21, creating a precarious financial situation.
The result of the pandemic has been such that, according to the 2020-21 finance and appropriation accounts report published by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the government recorded a drop of Rs 14,535 crore in tax collection.
The total debt of the state went up from Rs 3.19 lakh crore to Rs 3.97 lakh crore, an increase of Rs 78,000 crore, forcing the government to put some ambitious and populist programmes in abeyance.
Losses incurred in SGST, state excise duty, sales tax, stamps and registration and vehicle taxes. However, the non-tax revenue increased marginally from Rs 7,681 crore to Rs 7,894 crore.
According to Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the growth of GSDP has decreased by 9.28 per cent in 2019-20 and 2.23 per cent in 202-21 from 10.71 per cent in 2017-18 and 11.50 per cent in 2018-19.
The government had to deal with a severe drought situation when it assumed power in 2019, and then adding more woes, half of the state was affected by flood fury. Later, the Covid pandemic further complicated the financial situation of the state. During the tenure of Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, no major populist programmes could be doled out. Presently, his successor Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has a tough job in hand as he is to present an election year budget on March 4.
The CAG report also shows that the government had to increase its borrowings. Effectively, the resultant impact has pushed the interest component to Rs 22,666 crore or 14.6 per cent of the state’s revenue receipts which is placed at Rs 1.56 lakh crore. The CAG has also noted that 13 projects of irrigation, 41 of roads, three of bridges and one in others category remained incomplete for over five years.
Ashwathnarayan, state BJP General Secretary, told IANS that as political parties are in the race to woo voters with social welfare schemes and freebies on the lines of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, CM Bommai is inclined towards middle class and the upcoming budget is not going to be a fancy budget.
When asked whether the BJP is not under pressure after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal delivered free essential services to people, he said that Delhi is a mini state, it does not include farmers, mass transport system, irrigation projects, law and order system and even medical education. It is more like a municipal corporation area. Free electricity, free water and other populist programmes are not practically feasible in a large state like Karnataka.
Basavaraj Tonagatti, SEBI RIA, Fee-Only Financial Planner, CFP and Finance Blogger, told IANS that If you look at last year’s budget, you can notice that debt servicing increased to 21 per cent from 2019-20 to 2020-21. However, the capital expenditure increased just by around 5 per cent. This shows that the government is borrowing more but not diverting the same towards capital expenditure. It also shows that the government is not spending on creating assets, in particular physical infrastructure like roads, railway lines, factories, ports, etc. “Hence, I hope this year they manage their debt and divert the spending towards capital expenditure,” he said.
Though government is saying everything is fine, private investment has been going down for a long time, consumption is down, unemployment is high.
Abdul Azeez, Honorary visiting Professor of Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISAC), Bengaluru said that the pandemic has decelerated economic growth, increased unemployment and strengthened inflationary pressures, as a result of which the programmes of social justice have taken a hit.
The focus is to encourage consumption. If consumption increases, inflationary pressure will remain high. Already retail inflation has gone up to 6 per cent and wholesale by 11 per cent, he said. The government should think of providing necessary assistance to producers and they should be ensured of supply of electricity and water, he added.
Pavan Srinath, Independent Policy Researcher, said, “we need a growth oriented budget. We need to spend more. In the central budget also, capital expenditure has been increased. There is rural distress, high unemployment, the government should use its capacity to spend more.”
Wearing of dress is a freedom of speech, as argued by the petitioners as their fundamental right under Article 19 (1) (a)…reports Asian Lite News
Giving clear indications of an early verdict in the hijab row, the Karnataka High Court Special bench, constituted to look into the petitions submitted by students demanding their right to wear hijab in classrooms, on Tuesday directed counsels to complete their arguments by this week.
The Chief Justice (CJ) Ritu Raj Awasthi asked the Advocate General (AG) Prabhuling Navadgi, who is representing the government, to complete his submissions at the earliest. The AG submitted to the bench that he would complete his arguments on the day itself (Tuesday).
CJ Awasthi informed all counsels that the bench wants to complete the hearing on the case this weekend and directed them to keep the arguments brief. “Make positive endeavours to complete within this week only,” he said.
Muslim women shout slogans during a protest against banning Muslim girls wearing hijab from attending classes at some schools in Karnataka, in Kolkata, on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.(Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)
AG Navadgi said that it was entirely on the petitioner to prove that the practice of hijab is obligatory in nature and compulsorily followed in Islam. They have placed 144 Suras of Quran, this court has asked them in this regard. There is no record on the table to show that the custom is obligatory and it is an element of compulsion which compels a member to even be expelled from the community.
Wearing of dress is a freedom of speech, as argued by the petitioners as their fundamental right under Article 19 (1) (a). However, Article 19 (1) (a) is subject to public order, decency under Article 19 (2). In the present case, the uniform rule is subject to institutional restriction and it is subjected to institutional discipline not only in schools, but also in hospitals, military establishments and others, AG submitted to the court.
The rule imposes reasonable restrictions on wearing a headscarf. The AG also mentioned that uniform is being prescribed till pre-university as they have an impregnable mindset. There is no restriction on campus to wear a hijab. Only during class hours in the classrooms, hijab is not allowed and anything beyond uniforms irrespective of any religion is not allowed, AG Navadgi argued.
He further mentioned about the total ban on hijab by France and Turkey in public spaces. At this point Justice Krishna S. Dixit intervened and stated that it depends on the constitutional policy of every country. AG Navadgi stated that he only wanted to say, there is no prohibition as such in our country.
AG Navadgi earlier had said that hijab was not an essential practice of Islam, and he also brought to the notice of the court how it has been upheld by various High Courts and judgments of the Supreme Court. AG Navadgi explained to bench on Monday that wearing hijab was not an essential religious practice in Islam and it can’t come under Article 25 (Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion).
Submitting his arguments while representing the government, he said that the petitioner students have approached the court not just seeking permission to wear headscarves. But, they have claimed that they want to wear hijab and attend classes wearing hijab as part of their religious right. He maintained that wearing hijab is not an essential part of their religion and it can’t come under Article 25.
As tension prevails in Shivamogga district in Karnataka following the murder of Bajrang Dal activist Harsha, the district administration has extended the curfew till Friday…reports Asian Lite News
District Commissioner Dr. Selvamani stated on Tuesday that a further decision in this regard will be taken on Friday morning. A holiday has been declared in schools and colleges.
Superintendent of Police Lakshmiprasad has stated that the police have arrested six persons so far in the case. Mohammad Khasif (30), Syed Nadeem, Aseefulla khan, Rehan Sharif, Nihan and Abdul Afnan, all below 25 years in age have been arrested.
After interrogation, the involvement of more people has been revealed and they will be arrested soon. Their roles have been identified. Nine FIRs have been lodged and 13 cases have been taken up. As many as 18 vehicles have been torched with eight cases of injuries. About 1,200 policemen have been deployed in Shivamogga city to prevent any violence, the officer said. There were charges of rioting and hurting religious sentiments against Harsha, he added.
Opposition leader Siddaramaiah urged the government to ban the SDPI, PFI and CFI if their hand is found in the murder of Harsha. He condemned the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa for taking part in the procession of the body of Harsha, even as prohibitory orders were in place.
BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel stated that the accused in the murder case should be ‘encountered’. The Karnataka police should follow the example of the Mumbai police on encounters. After some encounters the situation came under control in Mumbai, he said.
Former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy stated that the Congress and the BJP are indulging in vote bank politics on the issue and he would meet the Governor and seek his intervention. Meanwhile, BJP MP Tejasvi Soorya, visited the house of Harsha and offered condolences to his family.
District Commissioners and school managements have been told to conduct peace meetings and classes will be held peacefully…reports Asian Lite News
Amid hijab row, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday warned trouble makers of legal action as schools up to class 10 are reopening from Monday.
Bommai was speaking to reporters in Hubballi.
“Our officers are observing messages that are put out on social media. They are also collecting information on their own. My first duty now is to see that schools and colleges are opened as early as possible and to create a cordial atmosphere for peaceful learning. The students must focus on examinations scheduled in March. Other things would be taken care of by investigative agencies,” he said.
Bommai said, high schools are reopening from tomorrow (Monday) in the state. District Commissioners and school managements have been told to conduct peace meetings and classes will be held peacefully, he said.
A decision will be taken on reopening of colleges soon after ensuring all preparations are being made. “Colleges will function like before in a cordial atmosphere. Reopening schools and colleges is our first priority. I have sought a report from the Education Minister. Based on that, a decision would be taken,” he stated.
Bommai explained the state’s economy has suffered badly in the two years due to Covid and through the budget an attempt would be made to boost the economy.
“Economic progress, welfare of people and financial discipline will be kept in mind while presenting the budget,” he said, adding, “our revenue collections are improving, priority will be given to the lowest and poorest person,” he said.
The jurisdictional police and education department officials rushed to the spot and spoke to the teacher, students and their parents. The agitated parents have been pacified for now but a tense situation still prevails….reports Asian Lite News
High drama prevailed at a Bengaluru school in Karnataka on Saturday as parents of Muslim students alleged bias engaging in a heated debate with the Principal. The school management dismissed one teacher Shashikala for creating unnecessary problems.
The incident took place at the Vidyasagar English School situated in Chandra Layout locality of Bengaluru. The parents who gathered in large numbers alleged that their wards have been insulted by a lady Mathematics teacher Shashikala who has spoken ill about their religion, hijab, and other religious practices. They demanded immediate action against the teacher and questioned the Principal.
The jurisdictional police and education department officials rushed to the spot and spoke to the teacher, students and their parents. The agitated parents have been pacified for now but a tense situation still prevails.
Sohabuddin, a parent, explained that this is not a fight for hijab. “All children studying in seventh grade are complaining about the teacher giving differential treatment on the basis of their religion. The children told the lady teacher that Muslims are only 25 per cent of the population in India, they can’t wear hijab anymore in class. We have come here to question and demand action on this teacher. This is not an agitation for hijab,” he said.
Sohabuddin further said, “the teacher wrote some initials on the blackboard and made derogatory remark about our children. This is an old school and the majority of students are Muslims. Our children are getting a good education in school. This one particular teacher is causing problems.”
“We know about the court ruling about hijab. We don’t want to violate it. The grown up girl students who are supposed to wear hijab are at home waiting for the final court order which will come on Monday. We are confident that the court will permit the wearing of hijab,” he stated.
The Principal of the School Shivakumar said, the Mathematics teacher has told the students about the court order on hijab and that they should not miss out on education. She has asked them not to talk in the class. She wrote the first letter of the children’s name on the blackboard –‘KLS’. The students mistakenly took this for something else. “Though 90 per cent of students are Muslims, there has been no issue for the last 15 years. The teacher should have spoken only about Mathematics, the subject which she teaches. The students are still coming in hijab and we are not objecting to it,” he explained.
Bengaluru South Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) Bylanjanappa said, “I visited the school and spoke to the concerned teacher. She is saying that nothing but the syllabus has been taught to the children. No court order has been discussed. The teacher was teaching a lesson. The parents have misunderstood their kids’ words and that resulted in confusion.”
Bylanjanappa further said he also spoke to students. The teacher has not abused any student. The students can come to the premises however they want but they have to attend classes only in uniform, he said.
Muslim women shout slogans during a protest against banning Muslim girls wearing hijab from attending classes at some schools in Karnataka, in Kolkata, on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.(Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)
The plea argued that in the US, the UK, France, Singapore and China, all schools and colleges adhere to a common dress code despite frequent challenges to the constitutionality of dress guidelines, reports Asian Lite news
Amid the ongoing hijab row, a plea has been moved in the Supreme Court seeking direction to the Centre and states to implement a “common dress code” in registered and state recognised educational institutions in order to secure social equality, assure dignity and promote national integration.
The plea filed by Nikhil Upadhyay, a resident of Ghaziabad, said that the role of universal education for strengthening the social fabric of democracy through provisions of equal opportunity to all has been accepted since the inception of our republic.
“Thus, a common dress code is not only necessary to enhance the values of equality, social justice, democracy and to create a just and humane society but also essential to curtail the biggest menace of casteism communalism classism radicalism separatism and fundamentalism,” said the plea filed through advocate Ashwani Kumar Dubey.
The plea argued that in the US, the UK, France, Singapore and China, all schools and colleges adhere to a common dress code despite frequent challenges to the constitutionality of dress guidelines.
It further added that most court rulings support the common dress code because the use of common dress code has many benefits.
“Over 1,000 Schools in Texas were studied to look at the impact of uniforms in the classroom and researchers noted that there were significantly higher positive perceptions about the entire community when compared to those who wear whatever they want.”
The plea contended that dress codes have the ability to make students stop fidgeting, stop thinking about why their friend is getting more attention for their looks instead of them, and create a carefree attitude.
“A dress code brings discipline and discipline brings order, peace, and a sense of leadership. Dress code brings uniformity which is interlinked to order and peace.”
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea seeking urgent hearing on petitions challenging the Karnataka High Court interim order in the hijab matter.
The top court asked the petitioners’ counsel, which included Muslim girl students, to think whether it is proper to bring the issue at the national level.
Earlier, the schools had geared up for re-opening from February 14, reports Asian Lite News
In the wake of the controversy over wearing hijab, the Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Department on Saturday said classes for pre-university students have been suspended in the state from February 12 to 15.
Earlier, the schools had geared up for re-opening from February 14. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on had Friday instructed the Superintendents of Police (SP) and District Collectors (DC) to visit prominent schools in sensitive areas and ensure no untoward incident takes place there and said that Law and Order should be treated as a top priority.
Muslim women shout slogans during a protest against banning Muslim girls wearing hijab from attending classes at some schools in Karnataka, in Kolkata, on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.(Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)
Protests had intensified in several parts of Karnataka when some students alleged that they had been barred from attending classes wearing hijab (a headscarf worn by Muslim women) while others protested against wearing the hijab.
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to hear urgent pleas relating to the hijab row in Karnataka and said it is “watching” what’s happening in the state and in hearing before the High Court. (ANI)
Meanwhile, some Hindu organisations have given a call for bandh in the Banahatti town in Bagalkot district to condemn the violence…reports Asian Lite News
Tense situation continued in Karnataka in the backdrop of incidents of violence reported due to the hijab row. The police have arrested 15 persons so far.
In spite of curfew orders in Shivamogga district, the NSUI members on Wednesday morning entered First Grade Degree College and PG Research Centre. They brought down the ‘Bhagva Dhwaj’ or saffron flag and hoisted the Tricolour on Wednesday morning. The police rushed to the spot and dispersed the crowd. They have secured both the flags.
Authorities have clarified that ‘Bhagva Dhwaj’ was hoisted on the empty flag post in Shivamogga college on Tuesday. They have denied that Bhagva Dhawj was hoisted after taking down Tricolour.
Meanwhile, some Hindu organisations have given a call for bandh in the Banahatti town in Bagalkot district to condemn the violence.
The police department has arrested 15 persons in connection with the violence that broke out on Tuesday and sent them to judicial custody in Shivamogga and Bagalkot districts where the hijab crisis has taken a communal turn, according to sources.
The state High Court is taking up the matter this afternoon and the bench is expected to give the ruling on wearing of hijab by evening.
The state government is holding a cabinet meeting to discuss the situation in the state. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai will take suggestions from the senior cabinet colleagues to handle the situation in the state.
Education Minister B.C. Nagesh stated on Wednesday that action will be initiated against people who are behind raking up hijab row in the state. Only a few students are demanding hijab, they are not even listening to their own community leaders. In spite of the protests relating to hijab, the attendance of the students has not fallen.”
Araga Jnanedra, state Home Minister said that there is an attempt to ignite fire on the hijab row. He stated that arrests have been made in connection with the violence and he would share the details later.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai discussed the developments in the High Court this morning with Advocate General Prabhuling Navada. The CM was also briefed about the situation in the state by Education Minister B.C. Nagesh. State DG and IGP Praveen Sood and Bengaluru Police Commissioner Kamal Pant met the CM Bommai and held a meeting regarding the situation in the state.
As per the information of the Home department, confrontation and violent incidents broke out in 7 colleges of five districts in the state. The protests have been staged in 55 colleges of 19 districts in Karnataka.
Harihara police have lodged four cases regarding the violence on the hijab row. Hindu organisations have called for a bandh condemning the attack on teacher Manjunath Naik. Naik was attacked with iron rods and his condition is said to be serious. The Hindu organisations are planning to take a march from Vaibhav Theater to Tehsildar office.
On the same day, similar scenes were witnessed at Sir M Vishweshwaraiah Government Arts and Commerce College in Bhadravati of Shivamogga district…reports Asian Lite News
Labeling it “Talibanisation” and “go to Pakistan”, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have lashed out at students demanding that hijab be allowed. Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) leaders have come in support of the Muslim students, urging the state government to not infringe on their fundamental right to education.
Can't even comprehend the sheer strength and courage it would've taken this young girl to walk past these saffron goons unflinched. In utmost awe. https://t.co/uJLLRKWsbs
While the ‘hijab vs saffron scarf’ row is not new to Karnataka, the latest wave of communal flare up began in December 2021. Six students of Udupi Women’s PU College staged a protest for weeks after college authorities allegedly refused to let them sit in classrooms wearing hijab. After approaching district commissioner, education department officials, the girls have now petitioned the Karnataka High Court seeking relief.
3 January
Hindu students of the Government First Grade College in Koppa, Chikmagalur, which also has an uniform and a dress code, staged a sit-in protest sporting saffron scarves Monday. Their demand was also to allow them to wear saffron scarves if Muslim girl students were allowed to wear hijabs.
6 January
Similar scenes were witnessed in Pompei college of Mangaluru. Speaking to ThePrint then, Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister B.C. Nagesh had said the state was mulling a uniform dress code.
31January
The issue flared up after students of Udupi Women’s PU college approached the HC seeking interim relief to attend classes wearing hijab.
The Karnataka government meanwhile asked all government colleges and schools to maintain status quo until the government committee comes up with a recommendation on dress code.
2 February
Kundapur Government PU college shut its gates on students wearing hijab after Hindu students wore saffron scarves. Videos of the girl students pleading with the principal to let them attend classes went viral.
On the same day, similar scenes were witnessed at Sir M Vishweshwaraiah Government Arts and Commerce College in Bhadravati of Shivamogga district.
3 February
The protests spread to another college in Kundapur. Bhandarkars’ Arts and Science College forcing the college management to shut the gates on students sporting hijab as well as saffron scarves.
More protests were witnessed at Byndoor Government PU college where more than 300 Hindu students backed by Hindutva organisatons wore saffron scarves to college. Protests were also seen in Belagavi Government PU college.
Politics over row
Leaders of the ruling BJP have vehemently opposed Muslim students seeking to wear hijab in colleges accusing the community of trying to ‘Talibanise’ educational institutions.
“BJP is in power in the state. There is no space for hijab or such things. School is a (Goddess) Saraswati temple. It is everyone’s duty to study within rules framed by the school. Talibanisation will not be allowed,” Karnataka BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel told reporters Saturday.
Other leaders of the party too have taken similarly strong stand against the Muslim community.
“If you ask me, Madrasas should be banned too, Urdu schools as well. Learn in Kannada, else go to Pakistan. What work do you have here? You want hijab, you want Urdu and all Islamic practises then go to Pakistan,” former Union minister Basanagouda Patil Yatnal told reporters Saturday.
Opposition parties Congress and JD(S), going after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ (save the girl child, educate the girl child), have urged the government to ensure protesting students get access to education.
“Constitution has given the right to practice any religion which means one can wear any clothes according to their religion. Prohibiting hijab-wearing students from entering school is a violation of fundamental rights. The main agenda of the Sangh Parivar is to deny education to Muslim girls in the name of hijab,” Siddaramaiah, Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka legislature, told reporters Sunday.
Siddaramaiah was the first senior leader of the Congress to speak about the row.
Former party president and senior leader Rahul Gandhi too raised the matter via his social media page.
“The Union government brought in ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme but the BJP government in the state is using hijab as an excuse to implement ‘Beti Hatao’ (remove the girl child),” H.D. Kumaraswamy, former chief minister and JD(S) legislative party leader, told reporters Saturday.
