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Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 16 (IANS) The hijab controversy at a private school in Palluruthy near Kochi has now been resolved, with Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Thursday accusing the school management of a “concerted effort” to politicize the issue and blame the government.
The controversy erupted when an eighth grade student was allegedly barred from entering the classroom for wearing a hijab, as it was against school rules.
While the girl’s father initially agreed to follow the rules, things turned sour after alleged interference from outside forces.
The school was closed for two days and in the meantime the matter was resolved amicably. However, after Shivankutty’s Facebook post in which he sought a report on the incident, things went out of control.
While the school management was firm and supported the 2018 Kerala High Court order giving freedom to the school management to make rules, Palluruthy School decided to approach the High Court.
The matter was resolved through fresh talks on Wednesday and the girl’s father agreed to follow the rules.
However, Sivankutty was upset with the tough stance of the school authorities that he would seek legal recourse.
On Wednesday, Sivankutty said on record that since the issue has been resolved amicably, there is no need for the government to intervene.
However, irked by widespread criticism over his social media comments, the minister did not say anything and accused the school management of trying to “deliberately escalate” the situation for political gains.
“There is a clear and deliberate attempt to put the blame on the government. The management is trying to politicize a sensitive issue,” he said. He warned that the government will not tolerate any attempt to weaken its authority in matters related to education and fundamental rights.
He was particularly critical of the school principal, the PTA president, and the legal counsel.
Meanwhile, the student did not even come to class on Thursday.
–IANS
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