Hijab row intensifies; Education Minister assures 'on request' admission to girl

Kochi, Oct 18 (IANS) Stepping into the growing hijab controversy at Palluruthy, Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Saturday said the government would ensure the affected student is admitted to a state-run school if her parents make a request.

"If the parents of the girl come to us, we will make arrangements to admit her to any government school," Sivankutty said.

His remarks came after the family of the student decided not to send their daughter back to St. Rita's Public School following the recent row over wearing the hijab.

The controversy erupted earlier this week when the school barred the Muslim girl from entering the campus wearing a hijab, citing a violation of its uniform code.

The family alleged that the child was mentally harassed by the school authorities, prompting complaints to the Chief Minister and the Education Minister.

Sivankutty had earlier criticised the school management for "misleading the government" on an issue involving fundamental rights.

On Saturday, he reiterated that the government would not tolerate actions that affect a student's right to education.

Senior Indian Union Muslim League leader P. K. Kunhalikutty described the school management's stand as "a reflection of growing intolerance".

"It is wrong for one community to dictate what members of other communities should wear in a school. This is an issue that should have been resolved through understanding, not through rigid rules. If everything is reduced to legal technicalities, it will only create more problems," Kunhalikutty said.

He also criticised the school's press conference on the matter, calling it an example of intolerance.

"A hijab is just a small piece of cloth on a child's head, no different from the veil worn by nuns. Unfortunately, a child's education was disrupted because someone feared a headscarf. Such things should not happen in Kerala," he added.

--IANS

sg/svn