We have clarified that they (hijab-wearing students) can enter the campus wearing the hijab, but they will no longer be permitted to wear it to class.
Digital Desk: The Karnataka government reiterated on Sunday that hijab will not be permitted inside the classroom when Class 10 students take their final exams beginning Monday, adding to the uncertainty of thousands of Muslim students' futures.
"We have not allowed it since the high court's (HC) decision (hijab). We have clarified that they (hijab-wearing students) can enter the campus wearing the hijab, but they will no longer be permitted to wear it to class. The same conditions will apply even during the exams," BC Nagesh, Karnataka's primary and secondary education minister, said on Sunday.
"There will be no provision for re-exams for those who fail the exam," Nagesh said, ruling out the possibility of making special arrangements to accommodate Muslim girls who have been denied admission to their schools and colleges.
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The statements come a day before approximately 8.76 lakh students are expected to take Class 10 state board exams after nearly two years of online classes and disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, subsequent lockdowns, and the hijab controversy.
There are approximately 40,000 exam halls in 3,440 exam centres throughout the state. Beginning March 28, the
Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) will conduct SSLC or Class 10 final exams. The papers will be available until April 11th.
"The class ten examinations begin today. Students should take their exams with confidence and without fear or anxiety. All preparations have been made to ensure that the examination runs smoothly. It is being held in the students' best interests while keeping the Covid issue in mind," Bommai said, refusing to engage in any discussion about the hijab.
Meanwhile, Nagesh stated that the three-judge bench has stated unequivocally that students will not be permitted to wear religious attire to schools or colleges.
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