AMN /
Several Muslim groups have strongly objected to the dress code issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT). They have asked the CBSE to withdraw certain code that violate both constitutional and religious freedom of Muslims.
They said that ban on electronic gadgets for exam is good and welcome but banning scarf and full-sleeve kurta is highly objectionable because according to Islamic teachings, Muslim girls have to wear them.
“Such dress code is against our freedom. Second, wearing scarf and full-sleeve kurta etc is necessary as per teachings of Islam. If you prohibit someone from wearing it you will be violating the religious freedom and the freedom enshrined in the Constitution of the country. Issuing such instructions is not proper,” said Mohammad Salim Engineer, Secretary General of Jamaat.
“We demand the CBSE to withdraw this portion of dress code (that bans scarf and full-sleeve kurta) because it is against freedom and religious freedom,” he said.
CBSE has instructed candidates appearing for AIPMT to wear only trousers, a half sleeve kurta or t-shirt and flip flops. They cannot wear shoes, belts, scarves, caps or even clothes with large buttons or badges. CBSE has cracked down on accessories as well, the candidates are not allowed to wear any religious charms or ‘magic’ amulets/jewellery. There will a check on almost all types of accessories, such as earrings, nose rings, necklaces, brooches, chains, bracelets, pendants, etc.
The restrictions on clothing are not limited to the type of clothes; the board has gone to the extent of prescribing the pattern and colours of the garments as well. It has notified that only light coloured clothes should be worn, and there should be no flowers or any other elaborate pattern on the outfit.
“If Sikhs can wear turban then definitely our scarf is not violating any of their rules. They have not prohibited turbans where one can easily hide Bluetooth devices. If they don’t have any problem with turbans then they should not have any problem with scarf either,” asked a lady Muslim aspirant.
The CBSE is re-conducting the AIPMT on 25th July after the Supreme Court asked the Board to conduct the test again following allegations of large-scale irregularities in the AIPMT exam held on May 3.
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