CET row: Karnataka govt orders probe after students asked to remove sacred thread

Bengaluru: With the Karnataka government facing flak after four Brahmin boys were asked to remove their sacred thread (Janivara) to write the Common Entrance Test (CET), Higher Education Minister Dr M C Sudhakar on Friday condemned the incidents and sought a report.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), which conducts the CET, has ordered an investigation by seeking detailed reports from the deputy commissioners of Bidar and Shivamogga, where the incidents took place on Thursday.

“There's nothing in the exam protocol that requires removal of Janivara. This has never happened before. We'll take this seriously. We can't accept this. I condemn it. I've asked for a report,” Sudhakar said.

“After receiving the report, we will act as per law against the erring personnel,” the minister added.

The CET is the gateway for admissions to professional courses such as engineering.

At the Sai Spoorthi College, a CET exam centre in Bidar, a boy had to skip the Mathematics paper after he refused to remove his Janivara. At the Adichunchanagiri Independent PU College exam centre in Shivamogga, three boys were asked to remove the thread. One student was allowed to write without having to remove it, but two others had to succumb. Apparently, on-duty CET personnel even cut one Janivaara.

The Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha condemned the incidents, while the Opposition BJP slammed the Congress government for “insulting” the community.

Sudhakar said his department would consider an alternative to ensure that the Bidar boy’s future is secured after having missed the crucial Mathematics paper, which is a must for admissions to engineering courses.

“We haven’t had to hold an exam for one student or a group of students for such a reason. This is a special case. We'll discuss with officials and see how we can secure the boy's future,” Sudhakar said.

School Education & Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa, too, slammed the incidents. “There’s no power with any department to issue such instructions (to remove Janivara). I’ll seek strict action against those responsible for this. We can’t do such things with children,” he said, pointing out that the incident took place in Shivamogga, the district where he is the minister in charge.

"Congress government, which didn't have any issues with Burqa-clad students, finds danger in the sacred symbol of Hinduism," BJP state president BY Vijayendra said, demanding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's apology.

Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka said even Marathas and Vaishyas wear the sacred thread. "All these communities have been insulted," he said.