Karnataka bans all forms of head cover during recruitment examinations

Karnataka Examination Authority also banned any kind of electronic gadgets like phones and Bluetooth earphones inside the examination hall.

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has banned any kind of head cover during upcoming recruitment exams of various boards and corporations in the state. The authority also banned any kind of electronic gadgets like phones and Bluetooth earphones inside the examination hall, news agency ANI reported.

Karnataka Examination Authority banned all kinds of head cover during recruitment exams of various boards and corporations. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Representational image)

Earlier on November 6, a woman appearing for the Karnataka Public Service Commission examination was asked to remove her 'mangalsutra' before entering the exam hall. After protests by Hindutva groups, the KEA has now allowed women to wear mangalasutra and toe rings in the examination hall while restricting other jewellery.

The recruitment exams of various boards and corporations are to be held on November 18 and 19 across the state.

Earlier in October, the Karnataka government had allowed students to wear the Hijab, during competitive exams. Higher education minister MC Sudhakar had allowed aspirants to come to examination centres wearing the Hijab sparking off protests by right-wing groups. Examinations were conducted on October 28 and 29 to fill vacancies in five corporations.

However, after complaints of the usage of Bluetooth devices by certain students the state government this time decided to enforce the ban.

The state government had on November 11 ordered a probe by the state CID into an incident where candidates at Kalaburagi and Yadgir examination centres.

Though the dress code does not explicitly ban hijab, it is implied by the new guidelines.

Karnataka hijab row

The Karnataka hijab row erupted in January 2022 when the Government PU College in Udupi allegedly barred six girls wearing the hijab from entering. Following this, the girls protested outside the college over being denied entry.

After that, boys from several colleges in Udupi started attending classes wearing saffron scarves. The protest spread to other parts of the state as well, leading to protests and agitations in several places in Karnataka.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, after taking oath, had said that the education sector will not be allowed to be "adulterated" in the name of the New Education Policy (NEP).

There was no question of compromise on the issue of protecting the harmony and secular heritage of Karnataka, chief minister Siddaramaiah said as he asserted that hate politics will not be tolerated and the environment of fear would be eradicated.