Maharashtra BJP minister demands ban on burqa during Class 10, 12 exams

Maharashtra Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nitesh Rane has asked for a ban on burqa for the students who are appearing for the Class 10th and 12th state board examination.

In a letter to the Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, Rane asked him to not allow the students to enter the examination hall in burqa. He has raised the concerns over potential cheating, he said that the students might enter the examination center in a burqa which may increasing their chances of cheating in the examination.

Rane's letter

"Students appearing for Class 10 and 12 board examinations are permitted to take the exam while wearing a burqa. Additionally, if necessary, female police officers, officials, or teaching staff should be appointed for case-by-case verification, as directed at the government level." Rane wrote in the letter.

He added, "The Class 10 and 12 examinations are crucial for students, as their entire future depends on these exams. It is essential to ensure that these examinations are conducted transparently and free from any malpractice, including cheating. The government has issued specific guidelines in this regard."

The letter further read, "If candidates are allowed to enter the examination center while wearing a burqa, it becomes difficult to verify whether any examinee is using electronic devices for unfair means. In case of any objections arising in critical situations, it could lead to social and law-and-order issues, potentially harming many students."

He concluded the letter by saying, "Therefore, it is requested that immediate action be taken to prohibit Class 10 and 12 candidates from entering examination centers while wearing a burqa. Kindly issue appropriate instructions to all concerned authorities at your level."

The Class 10 exams for the Maharashtra Board will be held between Feb 21 to March 17 for which the time-table has already been released. The class 12 examinations for the Board will be held between Feb 11 to March 11 in two shifts.