Bengaluru: The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has restricted all forms of head cover in the exam hall during recruitment tests for various boards and corporations aiming to avoid malpractice. However, the dress code has not explicitly banned hijab, according to the new guidelines. The order said that this is to prevent the use of any malpractices like using bluetooth devices during the exams. On November 6, a woman appearing for the state Public Service Commission exam was allegedly asked to remove her ‘mangalsutra’ before entering the venue, which led to protests by the Hindutva groups.
Following the agitation, the KEA has now allowed to put on mangalasutra and toe rings in the exam hall. It has however restricted other jewellery.
The recruitment exams of various boards and corporations are to be held on November 18 and 19 across the state.
Karnataka government allows hijab
Earlier last month, Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government had allowed students to put on Hijab during the competitive exams. Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar had permitted them to appear in the exams wearing Hijab which triggered massive protests by the right-wing groups. Following complaints of usage of Bluetooth devices by some students, the Karnataka government decided to put restrictions this time.
On November 11, the state government ordered a probe by the state CID into an incident in which the candidates at Kalaburagi and Yadgir examination centres allegedly used Bluetooth devices to write exams held by the KEA in October this year.
The exam dress code restricts girls from wearing high heeled shoes, jeans and T-shirts, while men are permitted to wear half-sleeve shirts which are not tucked into their trousers.
In 2022, the Supreme Court had upheld the Karnataka government's decision on banning the Hijab in classrooms that came under the state. The State government had at the time also extended this order to other Board exams like Class X and XII as well as the Common Entrance Test conducted by the KEA.
(With ANI inputs)
