Kerala’s General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Tuesday directed a Christian-run private school in Kochi to allow a Muslim girl to continue her education while wearing her religious headscarf (hijab). The move comes after the school had earlier barred the student from attending classes in the hijab, causing her mental distress and sparking widespread attention.
The incident involved St Rita’s Public School, Palluruthy, which had declared a two-day holiday on Monday following an escalation of the dispute between the school authorities and the student’s parents.
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In his statement, Minister Sivankutty instructed the school management to address the mental distress caused to the student and her family and submit a detailed report by 11 am on Wednesday. This directive followed a report by the Ernakulam Deputy Director of Education, who conducted an inquiry into the matter. The investigation found a serious lapse on the part of the school authorities, with the minister noting that removing a student for wearing a headscarf was a violation of the Right to Education Act and contrary to the fundamental religious freedoms guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
“The report makes it clear that no student should face such hardship in Kerala, which upholds secular values. No educational institution will be allowed to violate constitutional rights,” Sivankutty said.
While the school may determine the colour and design of the headscarf, the girl has been allowed to resume her studies wearing the hijab. The complaint had been lodged by the student’s father, and Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden confirmed that the family is willing to cooperate with the school’s regulations.
The controversy gained public attention after a letter from the school principal, Sister Heleena Alby, announcing the holidays, surfaced on social media. The letter cited pressure from the student and her parents, as well as alleged disruptions involving individuals not associated with the school.
This directive from the Education Minister reaffirms Kerala’s commitment to secularism and constitutional rights in education, ensuring that students can pursue learning without discrimination based on religious beliefs.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
