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Kerala Hijab Row Settled: Why Minister's Silence Speaks Volumes

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty has declared the hijab controversy at St. Rita's School officially settled. He stated that repeating comments could create unnecessary issues and everything needed has already been said. The government will issue a special order to facilitate the student's admission to any school of her choice. Meanwhile, political parties continue to debate the incident's implications for Kerala's secular fabric.

Key Points: Kerala Minister Sivankutty Declares Hijab Issue Settled

  • Minister confirms hijab dispute at St. Rita's School has been officially resolved
  • Government promises special order for student's admission to preferred school
  • IUML leader condemns incident as against India's secular principles
  • CPI(M) accuses Congress and SDPI of exploiting issue for polarization
3 min read

Matter is settled...not commenting on it any further: Kerala Education Minister on hijab row

Education Minister V Sivankutty refuses further comment on St. Rita's school hijab controversy, stating the matter is resolved and additional remarks could create issues.

"That matter is over. It was settled by around 11 a.m. today. I'm not commenting on it any further. - V Sivankutty"

Thiruvananthapuram, October 18

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Saturday said that he did not want to comment further on the hijab issue in St. Rita's school, Kochi, as the matter is "settled" and saying more "could only create unnecessary issues."

"That matter is over. It was settled by around 11 a.m. today. I'm not commenting on it any further. Everything that needed to be said has already been said," Sivankutty told reporters.

"There's nothing new to add. Saying more at this point could only create unnecessary issues," he added.

The controversy began when a class 8 student at St. Rita's School in Palluruthy, Kochi, was reportedly not allowed to attend classes wearing a hijab (headscarf), citing the institution's uniform policy.

Earlier in the day, the Minister stated that the government will extend all possible support to children, and a special order will be issued to facilitate admission after the hijab dispute in St. Rita's school.

"I don't intend to repeat anything. If the child is interested, admission will be provided in any school of their choice. Necessary assistance for studies will be ensured, and the government will extend all possible support. A special order will be issued to facilitate the admission. If the child is facing any psychological difficulties, the school management must take responsibility for it," he said.

Meanwhile, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) National General Secretary PK Kunhalikutty condemned the incident, saying it is against the "secular attitude" of the country.

Speaking with ANI, Kunhalikutty said, "It's not something that happens in Kerala. It is totally against the secular attitude. A student had to stop her education because of her attire. That is not very usual here. This is very bad."

Earlier, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Kerala State secretary MV Govindan slammed Congress and the SDPI, accusing them of trying to incite unrest over the issue. "The party has a clear understanding of the issue. The problem at St. Rita's School is being exploited by the SDPI to create communal polarisation," Govindan told reporters.

"Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty has taken a firm and clear stance that wearing attire is a democratic right. In Kerala, every religious community has the right to live freely and practice its faith without interference. Both the Congress and SDPI are trying to incite unrest on this matter," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support religious freedom, schools should have the right to maintain uniform discipline. This could have been handled better without making it a political issue. The minister's approach of not escalating further is wise.
A
Ananya R
As a Kerala resident, I'm proud of our secular values. No child should miss education because of religious attire. The government's assurance of support is exactly what we expect from our leaders. Kerala has always been progressive in such matters.
D
David E
Respectfully, I think the minister should have addressed this more transparently. When public officials say "the matter is settled" without proper explanation, it leaves room for speculation. The people deserve clear communication on such sensitive issues.
S
Siddharth J
This is exactly why Kerala is different from other states. Here, religious freedom is actually practiced, not just preached. The minister's statement about democratic rights reflects our state's true secular character. 👍
K
Kavya N
The most important thing is that the child gets to continue her education without disruption. The psychological impact on young students in such situations can be severe. Glad the government is taking responsibility for her well-being.

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