This is a Hindutva Govt: Maharashtra minister demands ban on burqa in schools
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Mumbai: BJP minister in Maharashtra Nitish Rane demanded that burqa should be banned for school girls who will appear in the 9th and 10th standard examinations of the state, suggesting as a measure against malpractice, Siasat reported.
Writing a letter to the Maharashtra education minister Dada Bhuse, Rane further demanded a ban on headwear in educational institutions, saying that religious attire should be kept in homes and religious places.
“Students appearing for the 10th and 12th board exams should not be permitted to wear a burqa. If necessary, female police officers or female staff should be appointed to conduct checks. These exams are crucial for students’ future, and they must be conducted transparently, free from any malpractices such as cheating,” the letter published in the media read.
“If examinees are allowed to wear burqas, it will be difficult to determine whether electronic devices or other means are being used to cheat. In case of any untoward incident, it could lead to social and law-and-order issues, affecting many students,” the letter said.
Later, speaking to the media, he said that the burqa should be banned in educational institutions and no religion should be given special treatment.
Rane wondered that if other religions are not bringing their religious attire to schools or colleges, why should Muslims be allowed. He said that one must keep their religion at home and in religious places.
“This is a Hindutva government, and there is no need to appease anyone,” Siasat quoted Rane.
He claimed that the burqa is a security issue and there should not be different rules for Muslims. He claimed there were instances where the burqa was used to cheat in examinations in the past.
“This is not Pakistan or Afghanistan,” the BJP leader claimed.