Karnataka govt bans head covers during recruitment exams, allows mangalsutras

The Karnataka government has banned any form of head cover during the upcoming recruitment examinations to various boards and corporations in the state.

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has also banned use of phones and Bluetooth earphones inside exam halls.

In a statement, KEA said the ban was an attempt to thwart any kind of malpractice inside examination halls.

Even though there is no mention of the wearing of hijab or head scarf (by Muslim women) in the exam board’s communique, it is evident the ban covers it.

In October, the Karnataka government had allowed women candidates appearing in recruitment examinations conducted by KEA to wear hijab inside examination halls. Earlier, women in hijab were frisked outside exam halls before being allowed to enter.

However, KEA has allowed women to wear mangalsutras and toe rings (worn by married Hindu women) inside the exam hall while restricting other forms of jewellery.

The decision was taken in view of protests by Hindutva groups after a woman appearing for the Karnataka Public Service Commission examination earlier this month was asked to take off her mangalsutra before entering the exam hall.

Last year, the state witnessed massive outrage after the BJP government banned students from wearing hijabs inside government schools. The case was taken to the Supreme Court after the Karnataka High Court upheld the ban. The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict. While the two-judge bench urged the Chief Justice of India to refer the case to a larger bench, the same is yet to be done.

Examination for recruitment to various state boards are scheduled for November 18 and 19 in Karnataka.