School management committee faces police case for allegedly forcing students to wear hijab in Madhya Pradesh; Incident raises concerns related to religious freedom, cultural sensitivity, and the well-being of students.
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In Madhya Pradesh, a police case has been filed against 11 members of a school’s management committee. The committee members, consisting of both Muslims and non-Muslims, are accused of compelling students to wear hijabs at Ganga Jamuna Higher Secondary School in Damoh district. The incident raises concerns about religious freedom, cultural imposition, and student rights.
Allegations of Forced Hijab and Religious Intimidation
According to the Damoh Kotwali police, the case was filed based on statements from three Hindu students studying in Class VI and Class VIII. These students, two girls and a boy, have claimed that the school management coerced them into wearing hijabs within the school premises. Additionally, they allege that they were forced to remove their sacred threads (Kalawa) and religious marks (tilak) and recite Allama Iqbal’s poem “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua Banke Tamanna” during morning prayers. The allegations of forced hijab and religious intimidation have sparked outrage and concern among the student community and parents.
Outcry, Protests, and Government Intervention
The controversy surrounding Ganga Jamuna Higher Secondary School gained traction when a poster featuring the school’s board exam toppers, who were non-Muslim girls wearing scarves, circulated on social media. Right-wing groups, including the VHP, Bajrang Dal, and ABVP, organized protests in Damoh, accusing the school of forcing non-Muslim girl students to wear the hijab.
In response to the public outcry, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan ordered a fresh investigation by the district administration and suspended the school’s recognition due to violations of government rules. The Minister of School Education, IS Parmar, also took action by removing the Damoh district education officer from his position for providing a clean chit to the school without a thorough investigation.
The Investigation and Official ResponseÂ
The Damoh district collector reported that they received the complaint from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on May 30. However, during the subsequent investigation, it was found that no parent had officially lodged a complaint regarding the school’s dress code.
Mushtaq Mohammad, the school’s director, explained that the girls were wearing scarves, which are part of the school’s dress code, not hijabs. He emphasized the institution’s commitment to respecting students’ traditions and culture, denying any forced imposition of attire.
Despite the director’s clarification, the seriousness of the allegations prompted a comprehensive police investigation. The Superintendent of Police, Damoh, Rakesh Singh, confirmed that an FIR (First Information Report) was registered against the 11 members of the school’s management committee. As the inquiry develops, further sections may be added to the FIR.
Chief Minister Chouhan expressed his concern over the incident and highlighted the importance of honoring cultural and religious choices. He reassured the public that no student would be compelled to wear attire that contradicts their traditions. The Chief Minister pledged further action based on the findings of the investigation, underscoring the government’s commitment to upholding student rights and promoting a respectful and inclusive educational environment.
