State writes to HRD agency on hijab case

PANAJI : The state government has written a letter to the National Testing Agency, department of higher education of the ministry of human resource and development, requesting the central education agency to take appropriate action in the matter related to Safina Khan Soudagar.

Safina, a writer and a post-graduate degree holder in psychology, had recently alleged that she was not allowed to appear for the National Eligibility Test held on December 18, 2018 in an examination centre in Panaji, while wearing hijab.

A related complaint from her was also accepted by the Goa State Commission for Women.

The state government has further sought from the central education agency a copy of written instructions issued to various examination centres including the one mentioned above on the acceptable dress code while appearing for the NET.

Similarly a copy of do’s and don’ts issued to the students has also been sought.

Director of higher education Prasad Lolayekar in a letter written to the Director General of the National Testing Agency has stated, “Prima facie it appears that there are no rules specified on the website or elsewhere concerning the exams, especially with regards to restriction on hijab or a particular dress code. Therefore, she should have been allowed to appear for the exam. If for any reason hijab is not allowed, then the same should be clearly mentioned in the instruction. We also feel that conductors and examiners should be enough sensitive towards personal liberties and religious sentiments.”

“We would appreciate if clear instructions are specified on website/ admit card, so that candidates are well aware of the terms and conditions regards to the dress code, specially keeping in mind all the faiths,” the state communication to the central educational agency adds.

Safina had stated that women of different faith have had to bear the brunt of “derogatory’” rules and forced to remove their belts, hair-clips, jewellery and sacred threads while answering the particular exam.