Board exams began in Karnataka on Monday, weeks after the decision upheld the hijab ban.
Bangalore:
As the Class 10 board exams began in Karnataka, a student in the state’s Hubballi district was forbidden to wear a burqa and allowed to appear for the paper only after returning in a school uniform.
Officials said he was given extra time to change clothes and take off his burqa.
A senior officer said, “She had come in civil dress for the exam. She did not follow the uniform dress code and was wearing a burqa. We assured her that she would have to follow the high court’s order. She changed and now She is taking her exam.” Government official Dharwad Mohan Kumar said.
However, in a similar incident in Bagalkot district, a schoolgirl decided to skip the exam when asked to change the burqa.
With the high school exams to begin on Monday, Karnataka ministers said anyone who violates the High Court’s ruling on hijab will not be allowed to write the test.
According to Home Minister Araga Gyanendra, action will be taken against those who violate the rules.
Gyanendra said, “Whoever violates the rule will face action. We will not compromise on it. Everyone should follow the order of the High Court. Students will have to remove the hijab and take the exam.”
Primary and Secondary Education Minister BC Nagesh also expressed the same sentiment.
“The police will naturally take action against anyone who violates the government rules. I am sure no child will give a chance to such things,” he said.
He asked the students to face the exam with confidence without any fear.
Over 8.74 lakh students have enrolled to appear for the exam in over 48,000 halls in 3,440 centers across the state. The last exam is on April 11.
However, some Muslim girls had threatened to “boycott” the exam in protest, news agency PTI reported.
The Karnataka High Court ruled earlier this month that the hijab is not a necessary religious practice and that everyone must follow the dress code prescribed by their schools or colleges.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai also said that everyone should write and pass the class 10th examination.
“I wish all the students all the best. This is an important exam. In view of the COVID-19, we have made all arrangements for the smooth conduct of the exam this year. We wish all to appear for the exam. And pass it. and shape their bright future,” Mr Bommai told reporters.
(with inputs from PTI)