JKSA reported that these students, enrolled under the Prime Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS), are being compelled by the college administration to either trim their beards to a "01" trimmer length or remain clean-shaven.
Published Nov 10, 2024 | 12:39 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 10, 2024 | 12:39 PM
Letter to Chief Minister by JKSA.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) in Karnataka alleged that over two dozen Kashmiri students at the Government College of Nursing in Holenarasipur are facing discrimination regarding their appearance.
In a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dated Saturday, 9 November, the association reported that these students, enrolled under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS), are being compelled by the college administration to either trim their beards to a “01” trimmer length or remain clean-shaven.
Reacting to the allegations, Nursing College Principal Chandrashekar said that the management had asked the students to come clean and hygienic adding that the students were not attending the classes regularly.
JKSA alleged that students with beards were being marked absent during clinical duties, impacting their academic records and attendance.
“The right to personal appearance, including the choice to grow a beard, is a fundamental aspect of an individual’s freedom and identity. No student should be subjected to such discrimination or forced to compromise their beliefs and practices to access education. Such actions not only infringe upon the rights of these students but also create an atmosphere of fear and exclusion, which is detrimental to the spirit of education and democracy,” the letter said.
“It is essential that students from all backgrounds feel welcome and valued in our educational institutions, and that their rights and freedoms are safeguarded at all times. We urge you to prioritise the protection of fundamental rights and take swift and decisive action to address this matter. Your intervention is crucial in upholding the principles of justice, equality, and inclusivity in our society. As a state that prides itself on its rich cultural heritage and tradition of embracing diversity, such incidents are not only shocking but deeply concerning,” noted JKSA.
The students’ association encouraged the government of Karnataka to proactively promote an environment of inclusivity and tolerance within educational institutions and society at large.
“Initiatives aimed at fostering mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation of diversity will not only enrich our social fabric but also contribute to the advancement of our nation as a whole,” it said.
Meanwhile, the college principal noted that the authorities have instructed the students to attend the classes in a clean and hygienic manner and the allegations were raised since they lacked the required attendance.
“A total of 13 students from the Jammu and Kashmir under the PMSS scheme pursuing nursing. They were not regular to college and clinical (practical class),” Chandrashekar told reporters.
“They used to turn up with beards and dirty clothes. The students were warned for three days by clinical instructor Vijay Kumar that they had to come clean, wear proper sleepers and trim their beards. They were only told to come clean and hygienic,” stated the Principal.
“As it is a nursing college and has to run as per its ethics, discipline is most important in our college. Despite cautioning, they used to turn up to college as per their whims and fancies,” he further noted.
“Clinical Instructor Vijay Kumar has only asked them to trim and not to remove the entire beard. They are highlighting this as an issue as those students have less attendance in class and clinical,” the principal said and added that they were not regular students for the college.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Mahesh M Goudar.)
