Karnataka Government Withholds Best Teacher Award Amid Hijab Controversy

The Karnataka government has paused its decision to honor Ramakrishna B G, a government college principal, with the best teacher award, due to his alleged stance during the hijab controversy two years ago. The decision has sparked criticism from various quarters, including political and community activists.

The Karnataka government has placed a hold on its decision to confer the best teacher award to Ramakrishna B G, Principal of the Government Pre-University College in Kundapura, following his alleged anti-hijab stance during the hijab controversy that gripped the state two years ago, according to sources in the Education Department.

Initially set to receive the honor on Teachers' Day, the award for Ramakrishna was deferred after encountering backlash from certain Muslim community activists, sources revealed. The Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Madhu Bangarappa, clarified that the award was only withheld and not canceled.

Responding to the incident, BJP MLA Y Bharath Shetty criticized the state government for bowing to pressure from what he termed "Jihadi elements." Shetty denounced the government's move, indicating that Ramakrishna had only adhered to the official orders of the time.

(With inputs from agencies.)