Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty appears to have taken a significant U-turn on the hijab controversy at St. Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy, following rising protests and public scrutiny. Initially responding firmly to the complaint that an eighth-grade student was barred from class for wearing a hijab, the minister’s latest statements signal a softer stance, emphasizing consensus and urging all parties to resolve the matter locally.
Speaking to the media, Sivankutty said that a notice had been issued to the school management to hear their side of the story. “If there is a consensus on the issue, it would be better to end it there,” he said, pointing out that local intervention by public representatives and activists had helped de-escalate tensions. The minister also noted that the student’s parents had revised their earlier position and agreed to send the child to school without a headscarf, effectively resolving the dispute.
The minister’s previous intervention had focused on ensuring that the child’s right to study was protected, following a report by the District Education Director that the student was kept outside the classroom for wearing a hijab. The report stated that while the student usually followed the school dress code, the management could not accept the shawl being worn in a hijab style. It also indicated lapses in school governance, noting that a properly functioning Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) could have prevented the issue.
Despite the minister’s initial stance, the school authorities have strongly criticized the DDE report as inaccurate and claimed that the minister acted without thoroughly studying the situation. Principal Sister Helena stated that the school would follow court directives and that the student has not been expelled. The school also plans to approach the judiciary regarding the notice issued based on the disputed report.
Sivankutty, in his latest remarks, stressed the importance of a peaceful school environment, free from disputes over caste, religion, dress, or food. His shift from strict intervention to advocating resolution through consensus reflects a notable U-turn, likely influenced by growing protests and public pressure surrounding the hijab controversy. The minister emphasized that once consensus is achieved, there is no need to further aggravate the issue, signaling a retreat from earlier assertive measures.