New School Uniform Order Row Erupts In Lakshadweep, Congress Warns Of Protests

The party has warned the Lakshadweep’s administration of intense protests, including mass class boycott by students against it.
Lakshadweep Congress leader and ex-MP Hamdullah Sayeed alleged that the new dress code directive, which is silent on hijabs or scarves for girl students, amounted to destroying the intrinsic culture and lifestyle of islanders in the Muslim-dominated archipelago, reported PTI.

He alleged the BJP-led government at the Centre and the Lakshadweep administration were continuously attempting to implement anti-people policies that were totally against the culture and ethos of the islands, the report said.

He added the latest on the list was the recent order issued by the Education Department introducing a new uniform code, which cannot be accepted in any way, the report mentioned.

"We will not allow any such directive that will destroy the culture and existing lifestyle of Lakshadweep. Such impositions are part of attempts to create unwanted tensions and issues in a democratic system," the ex-MP Sayeed was quoted as having said.

Making it clear that the Congress party would launch a series of democratic agitations against the move, he said school students would boycott their classes to register their protest against it, the report mentioned.

He said the Congress would also intensify its protests against the Lakshadweep administration's move to permit liquor outlets in the archipelago.

A draft on the proposed Excise Regulation Bill was published by the Lakshadweep administration on August 3 seeking suggestions from the public.

The Bill, which will permit the sale and consumption of liquor in the archipelago, has drawn widespread criticism from various corners.

Meanwhile, Lakshadweep MP and NCP leader Mohammed Faizal also indicated an intensifying protest against the draft liquor policy and the new uniform pattern, it said.

A row has erupted after the Lakshadweep administration introduced a new pattern of stitched school uniforms, including belts, ties, shoes, socks, etc., for children studying in its schools, but its directive is silent on hijabs or scarves for girl students in the Muslim-majority Union Territory.

In a circular dated August 10 issued to the principals and headmasters of the schools under the Lakshadweep administration, the Education department said school children wearing uniforms will ensure uniformity and also inculcate the spirit of discipline among students.

"Wearing items other than prescribed uniform patterns will affect the concept of uniformity among school children. To maintain discipline and uniform dress code in schools are the responsibility of principals and heads of schools," the circular said.