In recent times, Karnataka has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding its examination dress code, revealing a stark disparity in the treatment of religious symbols in the state. This controversy revolves around the contrasting treatment of Karnataka Public Service Commission candidates wearing ‘Mangalsutra’ and the ‘hijab.’
Karnataka Public Service Commission student asked to remove mangalsutra
In a recently reported incident, female students preparing for the Karnataka Public Service Commission examination were mandated to remove their ‘Mangalsutra’ and other traditional Hindu ornaments before entering the examination hall. This directive included earrings, necklaces, and toe rings.
This decision was met with backlash, with questions about whether the rule was exclusive to Hindus. It must be highlighted that while Muslim candidates wearing hijabs were checked, they were permitted to enter the examination hall in their hijabs, unlike Hindus, who had to remove their matrimonial symbols. One student expressed her concerns, stating, “In Hindu culture, there’s no requirement to remove the mangalsutra. We’ll remove them when we have to; just like how they checked for hijab and allowed them, they should have also checked us and allowed us inside.”
Hijab allowed in Karnataka NEET exam centres
This incident came on the heels of a separate controversy related to the wearing of the ‘hijab’ in educational institutions. Karnataka Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar clarified that wearing the ‘hijab’ was allowed during exams, such as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). On the one hand, the ‘mangalsutra’ was banned in a civil services exam, while on the other hand, the ‘hijab’ was permitted in the NEET exam.
Karnataka must address these issues with a fair and consistent approach. Discriminatory practices and double standards have no place in an inclusive and diverse society. The state should strive to ensure that all students are treated equally, regardless of their religious backgrounds, and that examination dress codes are fair and accommodating to all.
A similar incident was reported from Telangana last November. “A controversial incident came to light in Hyderabad where Hindu women were asked to remove jewellery such as bangles, earrings, neck chains and Mangalsutra before entering an examination centre, while Muslim women were allowed to enter wearing a burqa. The incident took place in the Degree College in Adilabad on 16th October during the Telangana State Public Service Examination. A video of the incident was circulated on Twitter”, reported Sanatan Prabhat.
