PANJIM: In a twist to the Hijab donning girl being refused to appear for NET examination, last month, the Goa government has told the Union Ministry for Human Resource Development (MHRD) that prima facie there are no such restrictions mentioned on the website of National Testing Agency or anywhere else while asserting that the 24-year old girl should have been allowed to answer the exam.
The issue was raised by Director of Higher Education Prasad Lolienkar before Union HRD ministry’s National Testing Agency which is conducting examinations for National Eligibility Test (NET), after Safina Khan Saudagar was refused to appear for examination when she refused to get off her Hijab.
“Prima Facie it appears that, there are no rules specified on the website or elsewhere concerning the exams, specially with regards to restriction Hijab or a particular dress code,” reads the letter written on January 1.
Lolienkar has said she (girl) should have been allowed to appear for the exam.
“If for any reason, Hijab is not allowed then same should be clearly mentioned in the instructions. We also feel that conductors and examiners should be enough sensitive towards personal liberties and religious sentiments,” the letter reads.
Lolienkar has further said “we should appreciate if clear instructions are specified on website or admit card so that candidates are well aware of the terms and conditions regards to the dress code, specially keeping in mind all faiths.
Lolienkar in his communication has attached mail received from the girl, who has also approached Goa State Human Rights Commission against the discrimination, which she has faced.
Earlier last month, the girl had complained that she was not allowed to appear for NET examination after the supervisor asked to remove her Hijab. She had said that she refused to do because it was against her religious beliefs.
The girl had pointed out that there is no rule mentioned in University Grant Commission’s website where wearing Hijab has been banned. She said that she was unaware about such rules, which she should have been informed in advance.
