Amidst a controversy surrounding the hijab issue in Rajasthan, Madan Dilawar, the state's education minister, has made a declaration stating that schools will soon be subject to a standardized dress code. The contention arose when a BJP leader raised objections to female Muslim students wearing hijab attire during a school function. In response to the ensuing protests by Muslim girl students against the BJP leader's comments, Madan Dilawar announced plans for the imminent implementation of a dress code across educational institutions.
Madan Dilawar further articulated that directives would soon be issued to investigate the prevailing atmosphere within schools throughout the state. Additionally, he emphasized that any form of religious conversion within educational settings would not be tolerated. Furthermore, the BJP minister underscored the significance of displaying an idol or image of Goddess Saraswati in every school, warning of repercussions for institutions failing to adhere to this requirement.
"The government possesses the necessary means to ensure compliance with these directives," asserted Madan Dilawar.
These statements by the education minister come in the wake of BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya igniting controversy by purportedly objecting to the presence of Muslim girls wearing hijabs at a school event held on Republic Day. In response, Muslim female students from the school staged a demonstration outside the Subhash Chowk police station, demanding action against Acharya.
Meanwhile, Acharya defended his stance by stating that he had merely inquired about the school's dress code policies with the principal. According to a report by the news agency PTI, Acharya clarified, "I inquired with the school principal whether there is a provision for two different dress codes during events like those held on January 26 or during annual festivities in government schools. The principal responded in the negative, stating that the students do not comply."
Highlighting the observation of differing attire choices among students during the event, Acharya raised questions regarding the existence of multiple dress code standards within schools. He emphasized that his inquiry was solely aimed at understanding the school's dress code regulations.
"I did not visit Madrasas and demand alterations to their dress codes. They adhere to their own regulations," Acharya remarked.
