KEA reverses decision: Hijabs allowed in Karnataka Recruitment exams

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has retracted its earlier announcement banning hijabs in the recruitment exams scheduled for November 18 and 19 across the state following criticism from various quarters.

In response to the backlash, the KEA revised its stance and decided to allow candidates to wear hijabs during the recruitment exams. S Ramya, the Executive Director of KEA, confirmed the permission for hijabs, emphasizing the need for candidates to arrive at the exam centre two hours prior to the scheduled time for thorough frisking, aligning with police department instructions.

The initial announcement by KEA restricted the wearing of any garment or cap that covers the head, mouth, or ears, citing concerns over malpractice in previous exams.

Karnataka Higher Education Minister, Dr. M C Sudhakar, clarified that the dress code was not a new imposition and that there had been no prior restrictions on hijabs. Sudhakar emphasized that the focus of the dress code was on preventing the use of garments or caps that cover the head, mouth, or ears unnecessarily. The decision was not related to hijabs, according to the minister.

The controversy arose following the arrest of over 20 candidates in October for using Bluetooth devices during recruitment exams for First Division Assistants (FDA) in government departments. In response to these incidents, the frisking hours were extended from one to two hours in collaboration with the police department.

Despite the clarification from the authorities, right-wing groups have expressed their intention to protest against the decision to allow hijabs, asserting that it violates a Karnataka High Court order.