Thiruvananthapuram| Kerala’s General Education Minister V Sivankutty has assured government assistance for the Muslim girl student who was reportedly barred from wearing a hijab at a Church-managed private school in Kochi. The minister stated that if the student requests it, the government is prepared to issue a special order to help her secure admission to another school of her choice.
The announcement follows a statement by the student’s father, who said he no longer intends to send his daughter back to the institution following the controversy.
“If the student wishes to continue her education elsewhere and approaches us, we will act immediately to facilitate her admission through a special government order,” Minister Sivankutty said while speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram.
He emphasized that in Kerala’s inclusive educational culture, no student should be deprived of learning opportunities due to issues like school policies or dress codes. He added that the stress caused to the student by this incident is regrettable, holding the school management accountable for her emotional distress.
The student, currently in Class VIII, has expressed her reluctance to return to the school, according to her father. “She’s been under immense pressure since the incident. We’ve decided to respect her decision not to go back,” he said, also confirming that they’ve begun seeking admission in other schools.
Meanwhile, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a prominent ally of the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), has extended support to the minister’s stand. IUML National General Secretary P K Kunhalikutty condemned the school’s actions, labeling them as a display of extreme intolerance.
“This is a distressing situation that shouldn’t occur in a progressive state like Kerala,”Kunhalikutty said during a press interaction in Malappuram. He claimed that certain elements in society may be fueling tensions, which is why the IUML initially refrained from intervening.
The school’s stance on the hijab was criticized as being deeply insensitive, with the party accusing the institution of promoting an intolerant narrative through its public statements.
The dispute began when the school objected to the student wearing a hijab, citing its dress code. The disagreement quickly escalated, drawing public and political attention. On October 10, the student’s parents visited the school to challenge its decision, prompting the management to declare a two-day closure.
The Kerala High Court has since ordered police protection for the school amid rising tensions. Minister Sivankutty has continued to stand by the student’s right to religious expression and access to education, affirming the government’s commitment to intervene when necessary.
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