Karnataka College Issues Strict Uniform Policy After Burqa and Saffron Shawl Protests

Tensions escalated at a college in Karnataka when students appeared wearing saffron shawls to protest against classmates attending classes in burqas.

At CJ Bellad Government First Grade College in Haveri, administrators ultimately issued a strict directive requiring all students to attend classes only in the official college uniform to maintain order.

The controversy initially began two months ago when several students came to college wearing burqas. According to college authorities who spoke with NDTV, these students received warnings and instructions to follow the established uniform guidelines.

The issue appeared to be resolved as students complied with the dress code - but only temporarily. Earlier this week, some students from the BA (second year) and BCom (final year) programs arrived wearing burqas again.

This action angered some of their fellow students, who began wearing saffron shawls on campus in protest, insisting that uniform regulations should apply equally to all students.

In response to the incident, college management conducted a meeting on Thursday and issued firm instructions requiring all students to adhere to the official college uniform policy.

Veeresh, the college principal, stated that they had become aware of this issue two months prior. After receiving warnings, students had started following the uniform rules. Since the matter has resurfaced, college staff have engaged with the students about it.

"We will convince the students. The staff regularly hold meetings to ensure discipline. We will do it again," he said.