On December 6, a young Muslim student was reportedly barred from entering an examination centre since she did not remove her hijab. According to Maktoob Media’s report, the 24-year-old Muslim female student named Uzma Yusuf, has reportedly stated that the staff administering University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) at the UNO Private Limited in Patna, Bihar prevented her from sitting for the exam.
The National Eligibility Test (NET) is an examination conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA) for granting eligibility for the lecturers and research fellows at Indian colleges and universities.
Speaking to Maktoob, Yusuf claims to have arrived on time and well-prepared for the examination and furthermore, that she followed all UGC rules and guidelines. However, she alleges that teachers and supervisors at the centre denied her the opportunity to take the test, insisting that she remove her hijab, a religious headscarf worn by Muslim women.
Speaking to Maktoob, Yusuf stated that she had thoroughly reviewed the UGC’s website and the instructions on her admit card before reaching the examination centre and pointed out that nowhere did it state that observing hijab during the examination is prohibited, and instead there are instructions that those who wear religious headgear need to come early to the examination centre, “Nowhere does it state that observing hijab during the examination is prohibited. However, it did specify that individuals wearing religious markers/attire should arrive early for a comprehensive screening and checking process.”
This story was originally published in sabrangindia.in. Read the full story here .