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Hubballi (Karnataka), Feb. 13 (IANS): Amid hijab row, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday warned trouble makers of legal action as schools up to class 10 are reopening from Monday.
Bommai was speaking to reporters in Hubballi.
"Our officers are observing messages that are put out on social media. They are also collecting information on their own. My first duty now is to see that schools and colleges are opened as early as possible and to create a cordial atmosphere for peaceful learning. The students must focus on examinations scheduled in March. Other things would be taken care of by investigative agencies," he said.
Bommai said, high schools are reopening from tomorrow (Monday) in the state. District Commissioners and school managements have been told to conduct peace meetings and classes will be held peacefully, he said.
A decision will be taken on reopening of colleges soon after ensuring all preparations are being made. "Colleges will function like before in a cordial atmosphere. Reopening schools and colleges is our first priority. I have sought a report from the Education Minister. Based on that, a decision would be taken," he stated.
Bommai explained the state's economy has suffered badly in the two years due to Covid and through the budget an attempt would be made to boost the economy.
"Economic progress, welfare of people and financial discipline will be kept in mind while presenting the budget," he said, adding, "our revenue collections are improving, priority will be given to the lowest and poorest person," he said.
Hijab row now erupts in MP's Satna
The hijab controversy that erupted in a pre-university college in Karnataka has now hit a college in Madhya Pradesh.
As per official information, the fresh controversy over wearing hijab-burqa erupted at an Autonomous PG College in Madhya Pradesh's Satna district on Saturday after an M.Com student Rukshana Khan arrived at the college wearing hijab to appear in the exam.
In the mean time, students from other groups, including some associated with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), students wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), opposed the woman wearing hijab-burqa during the examination.
Sensing that the matter could snowball into a major controversy, the college's principal-in-charge, Shivesh Pratap Singh swung into action. He not only advised Rukshana Khan not to wear hijab again in the college, but also took a written undertaking from her that she will wear only college uniform like other students in future.
"All the students are strictly told that they will be allowed only in proper uniform and face masks in the college examination. But she (Rukshana Khan) arrived wearing hijab-burqa. She has given a written undertaking that she will come in the college only in uniform," Shivesh Pratap Singh said.
The political controversy over hijab in Madhya Pradesh had erupted after School Education Minister Inder Singh Paramar supported banning of hijab in schools and also announced that new dress code will be strictly enforced from the next academic year.