Burqa Ban Debate Heats Up Ahead of Maharashtra Board Exams

Maharashtra: The debate over wearing burqas during Maharashtra board exams has intensified after Minister Nitesh Rane called for a ban, citing concerns about cheating. However, the state government has clarified that no such ban will be enforced.

In a letter to Education Minister Dada Bhuse on January 29, Rane argued that burqas could be misused for exam malpractices and demanded uniform rules for all students. His statement sparked backlash from Opposition leaders and Muslim scholars, who criticized it as an attack on religious freedom. Rane further stirred controversy by stating that those insisting on wearing burqas during exams should "go to Bangladesh and Pakistan."

The Akhil Bhartiya Urdu Shikshak Sangh has urged the government to issue a written directive ensuring that no Muslim student is denied entry to exam centres for wearing a burqa. General Secretary Sajid Nisar Ahmed suggested that security checks can be conducted by female personnel instead of imposing a blanket ban.

Education Minister Bhuse reassured students that there would be no dress restrictions, and authorities will focus on preventing cheating through CCTV surveillance, police security, and strict invigilation. Meanwhile, SP MLA Rais Shaikh dismissed Rane’s demand as unconstitutional and warned against attempts to polarize the education sector.

With the SSC and HSC board exams beginning on February 21 and February 11, respectively, stakeholders remain watchful to ensure no student faces discrimination