Karnataka permits hijab at exam centres, sparks row

The Karnataka government has allowed students to wear hijab, a headscarf wrapped around the head by some Muslim women, during competitive exams. The permission has yet again reignited the debate around the subject that sparked controversy last year.

Pro-Hindu groups have threatened to protest against the order announced by Karnataka Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar.

Speaking to India Today, Sudhakar backed the decision permitting students to wear hijab and said people are free to dress how they want. "This is a secular country. People are free to dress however they want," he said.

He also assured the students wearing hijab would be asked to appear at the exam centre at least one hour prior to the commencement of the exam. "They (students) will be thoroughly checked. We don't want any sort of malpractice. This is even allowed in the NEET entrance exam," he said.