Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has made it clear that the government of Karnataka will not allow introduction of new practices along with uniforms in educational institutions in the State.

On May 14, responding to queries by reporters in Mysuru on the State Government’s decision to permit students to wear traditional and faith-based symbols, along with the prescribed uniform, in schools and colleges, Mr. Siddaramaiah said students from primary school classes to class 12 can wear janivara, Shiva dhara, rudraksh, and turban, besides hijab.

When his attention was drawn to BJP’s criticism for permitting hijab, and asked if the Government will permit students to sport saffron shawls and turbans, Mr. Siddaramaiah said such shawls will not be allowed. Only those turbans, whose use is already in practice, will be allowed. “No new practices will be allowed,” he said.

Size of convoy

When his attention was drawn to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move to cut down the size of his convoy of vehicles as part of austerity measures, and asked if similar steps would be followed by the State Government, Mr. Siddaramaiah described such measures as ‘temporary’. 

Finding fault with the Prime Minister’s appeal, Mr Siddaramaiah said Mr Modi should instead speak with other countries to find a solution to the situation.

Questions on leadership, NEET

Asked about his plans to go to Delhi to meet the party high command, Mr Siddaramaiah said he will go and meet the leaders whenever he is invited. To another question, he said there is an intention to reconstitute the ministry.

Reacting to the cancellation of NEET, Mr Siddaramaiah said the State Government conducted Common Entrance Test (CET) successfully, but the Centre was unable to conduct NEET.

“What about the students who had studied and appeared for the examination,” he said while expressing dissatisfaction with the Centre.