Karnataka: KEA prohibits head wear during exam on November 18th and 19th

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) would be conducting examinations for various corporation boards on November 18th and November 19th. This has brought to the forefront, the question of Hijab. The decision to allow the same during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test(NEET) created controversy. 

The KEA has at the moment prohibited the usage of a head cover which would in all likelihood include Hijab. The specifications of this clause mention that any garment that covers head, mouth or ear is prohibited. Various examinations conducted within the state witnessed innovative cheating practices from candidates in the recent past. Many of these methods involved attempts to sneak in a bluetooth connected device into the examination centre. This move has to hence be seen as an attempt to dissuade such attempts. 

Women candidates have also been prohibited from wearing metal ornaments with the exception of “Mangalsutras (auspicious threads) and Kaal Ungaras (toe rings)”. Hindu organisations are reported to have conducted protests in order to make way for this exemption. Other prohibitions have been levied upon full-sleeve shirts, shoes, jeans, kurta-pajamas or pants with extensive pockets. 

The matter pertaining to whether this would be allowed in school is still pending with the Chief Justice of India.