Udupi: “No entry for media… No Hijab at college” says MLA Raghupati Bhat

Udupi: Udupi MLA and president of the College Development Authority at Government Women’s PU College, Raghupati Bhat refuse to entertain any demands to tweak the dress code to allow Hijab in college premises on Monday, January 31.

Five girl students of Government Women’s PU College in Udupi have been protesting for almost a month now for demanding to be allowed to wear a Hijab to classes, for which the college had denied them entry.

Speaking to the media after chairing a meeting at the college where the protesting students were in attendance, the MLA categorically denied any leeway to modify the dress code. “It is decided by the government and college committee to allow only uniforms in the college. It is not possible to allow the students to attend classes wearing a Hijab,” he said.

He informed that the decision has been conveyed to the parents as well as the students concerned. “The parents of the girls have told that they will decide after consulting with the other members of the family,” he added.

He also said that media and any other organizations will not be allowed entry into the college campus from February 1. This was because the board examinations were fast approaching and the college has received complaints from concerned parents of other students about the studies being affected by the presence of the media on campus, he added.

Further, he said that if anyone wants to appeal the decision of the college they may approach the DC. “Only those who observe discipline will be allowed to enter the campus,” he said.