karnataka hijab controversy: Karnataka’s primary and secondary education minister B. C. Nagesh on Sunday said that wearing of hijab will not be allowed during the state board’s class 10 exams. The exam will start from Monday and will conclude on April 11. More than 8.76 lakh students are going to appear for the examination in over 40,000 auditoriums in over 3,440 centers in the state.
Nagesh told reporters here, “After the High Court order, we have not allowed her (wearing the hijab). We have clarified that they (girls wearing hijab) can come to campus wearing hijab but they will have to remove hijab in class. This situation will remain in force even during the examinations.
Responding to a question, he said that the Supreme Court lawyers had argued for hijab before the full bench of the High Court, after which the verdict was pronounced. The minister said that the petitioners had challenged the government notification, which prohibited the use of any clothing that could disturb peace, harmony and public order. He argued that wearing hijab is a fundamental right.
Nagesh said, “As per the Karnataka Education Act and rules, religious sentiments should not be a part of uniform dress code. The same notification was upheld by the High Court. Tomorrow, there is no scope for violation of dress code.”
He said that arrangements have been made to conduct the examination smoothly. Meanwhile, in Hubballi, which is over 120 km from here, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai appealed to the students to take the exam without fear. Bommai said, “Keeping in mind the well being of the students and the impact of COVID-19, we have decided to conduct the easy examination. Children have to take exams and make their future. I appeal to them to take the exam without any fear.