12, Feb 2016

• 12 Feb 2016
• Hindustan Times (Mumbai)
• Neelam Pandey [email protected]
NEW DELHI: The government could lift the ban on wearing veils and headscarves during the central medical entrance examination as demanded by Muslim organisations. Candidates could be allowed to wear a burqa or a hijab during the exam scheduled for May 1 as the CBSE that conducts the All India Pre-Medical Test is likely to revisit the ban imposed last year, sources said.
The ban on long sleeves and veils was introduced — and upheld by the Supreme Court — after the medical entrance test taken by over 600,000 candidates in May last year was cancelled and re-conducted amid reports of cheating with the use of electronic devices and microphones stitched to candidates’ clothes. The CBSE then issued a notification stating “candidates will not bring items like belts, cap, scarf, etc” to the exam hall. It asked candidates to wear light clothes with half sleeves as well as open footwear.
This year, however, the board is planning not to ban veils of religious significance though candidates will still not be allowed to wear scarves or caps. “The CBSE is conscious not to hurt any religious sentiments. All the efforts we take are merely to prevent any unfair means,” said a senior official. However, the official said that measures will be put in place to ensure those wearing a veil are frisked.