Karnataka’s order banning hijab in higher secondary education (PUC) may not affect exam attendance or admissions of girls. But in Udupi district, where the protests for and against wearing the hijab have taken place in the state, Indian Express has learned that Muslim students have shifted from government schools to private high schools in large numbers.
According to information available to The Indian Express, the number of Muslim students entering Class 11 (called Class 11 First PUC or PUC I in Karnataka) in all PUC colleges in Udupi is 1,296 students in 2021-22. In 2022-2023 – same as 1320 students. At the same time, the enrollment of Muslim students in government PUCs has halved from the previous year. This number is the lowest reported in five years. (See diagram).
According to statistics, 388 Muslim students were admitted to PUC – I class in the academic year 2021-22. After that, in the academic year 2022-23, 186 Muslim students have been admitted to PUC – I class in government PUCs in Udupi.
Out of these, 17 Muslim girl students have been admitted in PUC-I class in government educational institutions in the academic year 2021-22, on the contrary, 91 Muslim girl students have been admitted in this academic year. The enrollment of Muslim students has decreased from 210 to 95.
This decline is offset by the increase in enrollment of Muslim students in PUC colleges (private or non-government aided) in Udupi district. In 2021-22, the enrollment of Muslim students in non-aided colleges increased from 662 to 927 in 2022-23. In this, further, the enrollment of Muslim students has increased from 334 to 440 and the enrollment of Muslim students has increased from 328 to 487.
Salihad BUC College in Udupi is an example of this. In this private institution, the enrollment of PUC – I Class (Class 11) Muslim girls was 30 in 2021-22. 57 people joined in 2022-23. Aslam Haigadi, administrator of Saliath Education Group, said, “Our P.U. For the first time ever, enrollment of Muslim women in college has almost doubled. This is a testament to how the hijab issue has really affected them both personally and academically.” He said that.
Another private educational institution, Alihsan P.U. Habib Rahman, principal of the college, said, “This trend is also seen among students, probably because parents want them to stay away from any struggle over hijab. Govt in Udupi P.U. Considering the communalism and politicization of hijab in colleges, parents may have decided to ensure focus on academics and discipline in private colleges this academic year.” He said that.
Karnataka School Education Minister B.C. When contacted, Nagesh said, “When it comes to admissions, we look at the overall trend of students irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. We do not single out a particular community or section of students and estimate their enrollment numbers. Ultimately, we want to ensure that we provide quality education to all students, regardless of their background. As compared to previous years, Govt. P.U. We feel that the overall enrollment numbers of all the students studying in the colleges have increased significantly. However, if there is any decline in the number of Muslim students in government colleges in Udupi, we will consider it.” He said that.
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