The Karnataka government has granted permission for students to wear hijab, a headscarf worn by some Muslim women, during competitive exams. This decision has once again ignited the ongoing debate that caused controversy last year.
In response, pro-Hindu groups led by Karnataka Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar have threatened to protest against this ruling.
Sudhakar defended the decision, emphasizing that in a secular country like India, individuals have the right to choose how they dress. He also assured that students wearing hijab will be required to arrive at the exam center at least an hour before the start of the exam for thorough checks, similar to the procedure in the NEET entrance exam.
Addressing those opposing the decision, Sudhakar pointed out that such protests infringe on the rights of others, and reiterated that India is a secular nation.
The controversy regarding students wearing hijab first erupted in January 2022 when Muslim schoolgirls at Udupi Women’s Pre-University college attended classes donning the headscarf.
