Karnataka Changes Timings of Urdu Schools During Ramzan; Parameshwara Home Minister

The Karnataka government has issued an official order revising the working hours of Urdu medium schools across the state during the month of Ramzan for the academic year 2025–26. The move, according to the government, is aimed at easing the academic schedule for students observing the holy month.

As per a circular released by the Public Education Department, government, aided, and unaided Urdu medium junior primary, senior primary, and high schools will function from 8.00 am to 12.45 pm from the beginning of Ramzan until March 20, 2026. On regular days, these schools normally operate from 10.00 am to 4.20 pm.

The revised schedule was introduced after the government accepted a request from the Karnataka State Primary School Teachers’ Association. Officials also reviewed a similar order issued in 2002 before taking the decision.

Defending the government’s move amid criticism from opposition parties, Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified that the decision should not be seen as minority appeasement. He said the Constitution itself provides safeguards and support for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward classes to ensure equality.

“This is not a question of appeasement. Such measures are meant to help communities that have been historically disadvantaged to stand on equal footing with others,” Parameshwara said. He added that small supportive steps like adjusted school timings help ensure equal opportunities for Urdu medium students.

The Home Minister further stated that opposing such decisions reflects a lack of commitment to social equality.

It may be recalled that an earlier government order dated October 31, 2002, had permitted Urdu schools to conduct morning classes during Ramzan. Following a fresh representation submitted by the teachers’ association on January 17, 2026, the government reconsidered the matter and issued the new order on January 30.