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Karna: Students allegedly forced to remove sacred threads, minister steps in

Bengaluru, Apr 18 (UNI) A controversy has arisen in Karnataka after reports surfaced that students appearing for the Common Entrance Test (CET) were asked to remove sacred threads, such as janivara, kashidaara, and rudraksha, at examination centres in Shivamogga and Bidar, prompting the state government to initiate an inquiry.
The incidents reportedly occurred on April 16 and 17 at Adichunchanagiri PU College in Shivamogga and Sai Spoorthi Examination Centre in Bidar. According to some students and community members, invigilators and security staff, including home guards, enforced the CET dress code, which led to the removal of religious threads that are considered important in Hindu traditions.
At the Shivamogga centre, it was alleged that one student's janivara was discarded, while another student was reportedly not allowed to take the exam unless he complied with the request to remove the sacred thread. These incidents were brought to light after concerned parents raised the issue with local authorities, and protests were held in front of the examination centre.
In Bidar, a student was reportedly unable to sit for the Mathematics section of the CET after refusing to remove his janivara.
Reacting to the situation, Karnataka Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar expressed his regret over the incident and directed the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) to conduct a thorough investigation.
"I deeply respect the religious customs of all communities, and I believe that such matters need careful consideration. A detailed report has been requested, and appropriate action will be taken as per the findings," he said in Bengaluru on Friday.
Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, whose home district is Shivamogga, also responded, stating, "While this issue does not directly fall under my ministry, I will discuss it with the relevant department. Given that the incident occurred in my home district, I will ensure that the matter is addressed appropriately."
Brahmin organisations, including the All Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha and Brahmina Sanghagala Okkuta, have expressed concerns over the incidents and called for appropriate action to be taken against those responsible.
Former MLA K B Prasanna Kumar filed a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner of Shivamogga, describing the incidents as an infringement on religious practices.
Protests were held in both Shivamogga and Bidar, with participants urging the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) to apologise and improve training for examination staff to ensure greater cultural sensitivity.
"These students, already under pressure from the exam, were subjected to an unnecessary ordeal. Respect for religious symbols is essential," said a spokesperson for the Brahmin Mahasabha.
KEA officials have clarified that their dress code guidelines prohibit face coverings, masks, and caps but acknowledged that there may have been some confusion regarding sacred threads. The matter is expected to be addressed once the minister reviews the report. UNI BDN SSP
Tags: #Karna: Students allegedly forced to remove sacred threads# minister steps in
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