Education minister says Home Minister to be consulted on allowing hijab during SSLC, PUC exams

BENGALURU: The SSLC and PUC public exams are just a month away, but the hijab controversy is still unresolved. Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa recently stated that students wearing hijabs will be allowed to take exams, but only if Home Minister G Parameshwara approves it.

This has created confusion among students and parents. The Education Department will permit hijab-clad students to take exams only if the Home Minister gives a nod to it.

This decision has reignited the hijab debate, causing concern among students who will be taking their exams soon. The students are concerned about whether the hijab controversy will cause more confusion during the exam period.

The hijab controversy in Karnataka has been a longstanding issue, particularly in educational institutions. During the BJP government’s tenure, hijab was banned in school classrooms and exam halls, sparking widespread debate across the state.

The government had issued an order prohibiting hijabs in exam centres, citing the need for wearing uniforms. This decision was upheld by the Karnataka High Court, which ruled that hijabs are not an essential religious practice in Islam.

The court’s verdict led to a ban on hijabs in many schools and colleges, with the government insisting on wearing of approved uniforms. However, the issue is still pending in the Supreme Court.

Amidst this uncertainty, there is confusion about whether students will be allowed to wear hijabs during the upcoming SSLC and PU examinations as the state government’s decision on this matter remains unclear.