Waqf board plans to start self-funded schools, colleges

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Waqf Board is planning to start schools and colleges with its own funding in the state where students will be allowed to wear hijabs inside the classroom, Waqf Board chairman, Shafi Saadi said. Schools and colleges are likely to be set up in Mangaluru, Shivamogga, Hassan, Kodagu, Bijapur and Hubballi, among other places.

According to the chairman of the Karnataka Waqf Board, a total of Rs 25 crore has been allocated for these educational institutions. The chairman added that there would be no autonomous rules for these colleges and that they would follow the board’s and universities’ rules.

According to sources, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is likely to make a formal announcement about these schools and colleges in the last week of December.

“This was announced five to six months earlier. We have Rs 25 crore in the Waqf Board allotted for this. We have also identified several pieces of land for construction. These institutions will be especially for women students across the districts in the state,” added the chairman.

He further said, “There is no connection with the Hijab protest. Everybody is allowed to get admission to this college. There will be general rules and it will follow university guidelines,” he said.