Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Apr 7: The Muslim girl students studying in government colleges are planning to join private educational institutions run by Muslims and some others are preparing to go to Shariyat colleges.
Even some private institutions have prohibited the wearing of Hijab inside classrooms after the order of the state government as well as the verdict pronounced by the high court. It is estimated that around 10000 Muslim girl students have stayed away from colleges due to these orders.
Representational image
Most of the Muslim girl students, who used to wear Hijab and Burqa while coming to college have agreed to remove those while in classrooms. Many are even writing SSLC exams. Some are not attending. But the education department officials are not sure of the reason for their absence.
“Around 400 Muslim girl students are not attending colleges in the district of Udupi, where the controversy started. However, all are writing the SSLC examination. More than 100 students did not attend the final year examination of first PU. Most have not attended practical examinations of second PU. We have to see what will be their fate in final examinations,” said social worker Yasin Kodi Bengre.
Muslim girl students, who have strict orthodox culuture at home have not attended the examinations. Most are planning to join nearby Muslim managed institutions. However, some might stop education as they will not be able to bear the high fee charged by private institutions.
Shakir Haji, secretary, Markazul Huda Women’s College, Kumbra, Puttur says, “We are getting lots of queries by Muslim girl students to join our institution. Many have demanded to join PUC, degree and Shariyat colleges. However, without the permission of the government, we cannot add any department or number of seats. So if more students apply, seats cannot not be provided.”
“Some have asked for lateral admissions half way through the academic year. We have categorically denied such requests. Some are saying that they will join from next academic year. There are rules for that also. In PUC, we have approval for only one section. To start one more, approval of the government is required. So there will be a huge shortage of seats,” says Shakir Haji.