MANGALURU: Several schools run by Muslims in Dakshina Kannada district have applied for permission to launch PU colleges. Of the 14 institutions that had applied to launch PU operations this year, 13 are run by Muslims.
Officials say the trend is linked to hijab row, and strict implementation of the dress code in most other colleges. Students are allowed to wear hijabs inside classrooms in institutions run by Muslims.
“As a result, there is a demand from Muslims to sendtheir daughters to institutions run by their own community so that girls can continue wearing the hijab on campus,” said an official from the PUE department in Mangaluru.
CD Jayanna, deputy director, PUE department, Dakshina Kannada, said: “This academic year, a total of 14 institutions from the district had applied, seeking permission to start PU colleges. However, so faronly two institutes have been granted permission, of which one is run by a Muslim. The applications of the other 12 are pending as they are yet to submit required documents. ” Jayanna said permission to launch PU colleges had been granted to Sahara PU College near Gurupura, and Kumaraswamy PU College, near Subrahmanya.
He said permis-sion for the other 12 will be based on rules. Sources say permission was granted to the institutes in Gurupura and Subrahmanya 10 days ago. Only the college in Subrahmanya will commence classes this academic year. “Colleges can start I PU classes if permission is granted in a week. If not, they will have to wait for the next academic year,” a source said.
Admissions to I PU is remain open till the end of July. Results of supplementary exams, held recently, are yet to be announced.
