Seven teachers, including two chief invigilators, were on Thursday suspended after they allowed a few hijab-wearing girls to write their SSGL exams in the Gadag district of Karnataka. The teachers were employed at CS Patil Primary School and were invigilating for the 10th board examinations.
A few students refused to appear for the examinations, while some followed the government’s decision. However, a handful of girls refused to give up their headscarves and appeared at the examination hall.
But the teachers who allowed them to enter had to suffer the consequences.
Action was also taken against the two chief invigilators who were in charge of the exam centre. According to reports, the authorities initiated the action after a video clip of the students writing exams in hijab was circulated via media.
The order was issued by Basavalingappa G.M., the deputy director of public instruction. The seven teachers include, S.U. Hokkalad, S.M. Pattar, S.G. Godke, S.S. Gujamagadi, V.N. Kivudar, K.B. Bhajantri and B.S. Honagudi.
According to the order, the report was submitted by the Gadag Tehsildar who visited the school for a spot inquiry. The teachers also got into heated arguments with the government officials. However, as of now, no action was taken against students who were wearing hijabs.
The Karnataka High Court recently upheld the State Government’s law on the hijab ban in educational institutions. The law mentions that the introduction of a similar uniform for all students can promote ‘secularism’ in schools and colleges. However, the law entails strict punishment if violated.
The Supreme Court had refused to consider the hijab ban and school examinations as an interrelated issue. It stated that cases related to the hijab ban had nothing to do with board examinations. The court had also asked the government to speed up inquiry into the hijab controversy.
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