Mumbai College sparks controversy by restricting entry of students wearing burqas

Many Class 12 female students of NG Acharya and DK Marathe College of Arts, Science, and Commerce at Chembur were stopped by the security guards and not allowed in the college. The reason given was that they were wearing burkhas over their uniforms in violation of the college’s new uniform policy. This incident caused a protest by the students outside the college.

A senior police official said the security at the Chembur-based college asked students to remove their burqas (Islamic veil) before entering, as the college has its own uniform. Parents of these students reached d the college and several videos of scenes from outside the college gate began to circulate.

Police arrived at the venue and the matter was discussed with the parents and college authorities. Both parties after elaborate dialogue decided that the students would remove the burqa inside but will wear scarves in the classroom. The girls shall take off the burqa in the washroom before attending classes.

One female student said, "We are willing to wear the uniform—all we are requesting is permission to change our burkhas in the girl’s common room.” Another student argued, “If we have a college identity card and are regular students, how can the security person stop us at the gate? After college reopened in June, we remove our burkhas after entering the premises and then attend classes. Suddenly the college administration did not allow us to enter the campus.”

Principal Vidyagauri Lele clarified “All parents and students were informed in a parents’ meeting on May 1 that students would compulsorily have to wear uniforms in junior college. Around 500 plus parents were present for that meeting and agreed to the rules and regulations decided by the college administration.”

The college management believes a uniform would promote equality among students irrespective of their financial condition, caste, religion or social status. Lele said, “The notice also said that the students must wear the uniform prescribed by the college and no badge, tie, sticker, dupatta, or burkha on it. We regularly remind students about the new uniform policy and also informed them that from August 1, they would not be allowed on campus without proper uniforms. The security personnel were instructed accordingly.”