Schools and colleges reopen today across state, hijab debate likely to take over campuses

BENGALURU: After the summer vacation, schools and colleges across the state reopened from Monday for the 2026-27 academic year. The Education Department had made preparations for the reopening of schools across the state.

The Education Department has ordered that children be welcomed with a festive atmosphere, joy, and enthusiasm. Instructions were given to teachers to welcome students by decorating schools with green festoons, buntings and rangoli. The Department had instructed to prepare sweets in the mid-day meal.

Along with school reopening today, instructions to conduct PTA (Parents-Teachers Association) meetings in all schools. The department has ordered revision classes through ‘Setubandha’ bridge course for the first 15 days of school. However, in the light of the political developments in the stat , the school reopening programme scheduled today in Shivamogga was cancelled.

With the commencement of the academic year, questions are being raised if the hijab conflict restart in schools and colleges. The government has allowed students to attend schools and colleges wearing hijab and other items of religious sentiment from this academic year itself.

The issues of permitting hijab, which created controversy across the state. BJP and pro-Hindu organisations are outraged at the government’s order. Hijab was banned in schools and colleges under the previous BJP government. Recently, former minister Madhu Bangarappa held a press conference and announced that the government had given permission for wearing hijab From this academic year itself.

The Congress government has cancelled the BJP government’s order and issued a new order permitting hijab. The government has said hijab is allowed, but saffron shawls are not. With the government’s move, it remains to be seen if the hijab vs saffron shawl debate will restart in schools and colleges.