In an effort to combat malpractices including using Bluetooth devices to cheat in recruitment examinations for boards and corporations, the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has outlawed all types of head cover.
The exam body has, however, allowed mangalsutras (beaded necklaces worn by married Hindu women) and toe rings following protests by right-wing organisations.
The laws against head coverings will prohibit the hijab during the recruiting exams, even though the exam authority’s dress code does not specifically identify it among the prohibited items.
The announcement was made ahead of many board and corporations scheduled for November 18 and 19 throughout the state.
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.
During the October recruitment exams, the KEA had permitted the wearing of hijabs.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, after taking oath, had said that the education sector will not be allowed to be “adulterated” in the name of the New Education Policy (NEP).
