The Karnataka government, led by the Congress party, has reversed a contentious directive from the previous BJP administration that banned students from wearing hijabs and other religious symbols in schools. Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced the new guidelines, stating that students can now wear hijabs, janivara (sacred thread), turbans, and other faith-based symbols along with their prescribed uniforms. This decision aims to prevent students from facing inconvenience due to their traditional and religious practices. The original 2022 order mandated strict compliance with school uniforms, prohibiting any clothing deemed disruptive to equality and public order. This led to significant controversy, beginning in Udupi, Karnataka, where Muslim students were denied entry for wearing hijabs. The Karnataka High Court upheld the ban, declaring that wearing the hijab was not an essential religious practice under Islam. However, the Supreme Court's split verdict in October 2022 left the matter unresolved, with differing opinions on personal choice and the need for uniformity in schools. The recent reversal reflects a shift in policy aimed at promoting inclusivity in education.