Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Thursday asked the management of St Rita's Public School in Kochi, at the center of a hijab controversy, to refrain from making statements against the government.

The issue arose after the church-run school objected to a student wearing a hijab, citing its dress code, and declared a two-day holiday earlier this week. The minister said the matter has since been resolved and there is no disagreement between the government and the school management over the dress code.

Sivankutty alleged that the school management, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and their legal counsel had politicised the matter through media statements on October 15. “There were some threats in their statements. They portrayed the government and the Education Department in a bad light,” he said.

The minister stressed that the department follows routine procedures, including inquiries conducted by the Deputy Director of Education (DDE), and asserted that the school's statements had purposefully diverted attention and criticised the government.

“Schools should remain centres of peace and knowledge, not platforms for political interests. Can a PTA president, principal, or manager accuse the government in such a baseless manner?” Sivankutty asked. He added that any challenges to the government must follow the law.

He urged the school authorities to ensure compliance with regulations and avoid provocative actions, stating, “The issue has been resolved. Any provocative statements after that are unacceptable. The government is clarifying its stand.”

Earlier, St Rita's management had indicated it would approach the Kerala High Court against the DDE report that alleged lapses by the institution.