Karnataka Examination Authority fixes dress code for recruitment exams | Read Details
Bengaluru (Karnataka), November 14: The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has imposed restrictions on head coverings during recruitment exams for various boards and corporations in an effort to prevent malpractice. Although not explicitly stated, the guidelines indirectly imply a ban on the hijab. The initiative aims to curb exam malpractices involving Bluetooth devices.
A recent incident on November 6 involved a woman, who was taking the Karnataka Public Service Commission examination, being asked to remove her 'mangalsutra' before entering the exam hall. Following protests by Hindutva groups, the KEA has now permitted women to wear 'mangalsutra' and toe rings but has restricted other forms of jewellery.
The upcoming recruitment exams for various boards and corporations are scheduled to take place on November 18 and 19 throughout the state.
In October, the Karnataka Government had permitted students to wear the hijab during competitive exams, causing contention among right-wing groups. However, due to reported instances of Bluetooth device usage by some students, the state government has opted to enforce a ban this time.
Moreover, on November 11, the state government ordered a probe by the state CID into alleged instances of candidates using Bluetooth devices during exams held by the KEA in October 2023 at examination centers in Kalaburagi and Yadgir.
As per the exam dress code, girls are prohibited from wearing high-heeled shoes, jeans, and T-shirts, whereas men are allowed to wear untucked half-sleeve shirts.
Notably, in 2022, the Supreme Court upheld the Karnataka government's decision to ban the hijab in state-affiliated classrooms, extending this ruling to other board exams such as Class X and XII, as well as the Common Entrance Test conducted by the KEA.
- ANI
