VHP Criticizes Karnataka Govt for Withholding Principal's Award

By A Staff Reporter

Karnataka: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has criticized the Karnataka government's decision to put on hold the Best Principal award for a school principal accused of banning the hijab. Govardhan Rao, Vice President of VHP North Karnataka, expressed strong disapproval, stating that the award recognizes excellence in education, and should not be withheld for unrelated reasons.

"We condemn this because the Best Principal award is given to those who have done excellent work in education. Holding back his name due to some other reason is unacceptable," Rao remarked.

Rao emphasized that educational merit should remain the sole criterion for such awards, urging the government to reconsider its decision. "We ask the government to immediately withdraw that withhold," he added.

The principal, who was initially selected for the award, reportedly faced allegations of banning students from wearing the hijab, sparking a broader conversation on religious freedom in schools. This decision to withhold the award has ignited a debate, with some backing the government's stance while others argue that the principal's contributions to education should be the primary factor in the award's consideration.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between education policies and also the religious expression in Karnataka.