Karnataka bans head cover during recruitment exams

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has banned all forms of head cover in recruitment exams for boards and corporations in a crackdown on malpractices, such as cheating using Bluetooth devices.The exam body has, however, allowed mangalsutras (beaded necklaces worn by married Hindu women) and toe rings following protests by right-wing organisations.The recruitment exams of various boards and corporations are to be held on November 18 and 19 across the state.Though the exam authority's dress code did not explicitly mention hijab in the list of banned items, the rules against head covers will bar it during the recruitment exams.The KEA stated that wearing “any garment or cap that covers head, mouth or ears” will not be allowed in the exam hall. The order says that this is part of the effort to stop exam malpractices using Bluetooth devices.
The State government had on November 11 ordered a probe by the state CID into an incident where candidates at Kalaburagi and Yadgir examination centres allegedly used Bluetooth devices for writing the exams conducted by the KEA in October, 2023.Earlier on November 6, a woman appearing for the Karnataka Public Service Commission examination was asked to remove her 'mangalsutra' before entering the exam hall.

(Dr Mysi Patil, State Correspondent)