The Karnataka government has issued a directive permitting students to don hijab, which is a headscarf worn by some Muslim women, during competitive examinations. This decision has once again sparked a renewed debate on the subject, which had stirred controversy in the past year.
Various pro-Hindu groups have expressed their intention to stage protests against this directive announced by Karnataka Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar.
In a conversation with India Today, Sudhakar voiced his support for the decision to allow students to wear the hijab, emphasizing that individuals have the freedom to choose their attire. He stated, "This is a secular country. People are free to dress however they want."
He further assured that students opting to wear the hijab would be required to arrive at the examination center at least one hour before the commencement of the exam. "They (students) will be subject to thorough scrutiny. We want to ensure that no malpractice occurs. This practice is even permitted in the NEET entrance exam," he pointed out.
Responding to the groups threatening to protest against this directive, Sudhakar expressed his confusion regarding their rationale. He contended that such protests are selective and stressed that it is not permissible to infringe upon the rights of others. He reiterated that India is a secular country.
The discussion surrounding students wearing the hijab first ignited a controversy in January 2022 when Muslim schoolgirls at Udupi Women's Pre-University College started attending classes while wearing headscarves.
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