Muslim female students forced to remove hijab in Ankleshwar (Gujarat) private school

Following complaints from the parents, action was taken against the exam centre administrator and the school principal

(Hijab refers to a garment worn by Muslim women to cover their head and neck)

Bharuch (Gujarat) – Before the commencement of the Mathematics exam for class 10 on 13th March at Lions School in Ankleshwar, some Muslim students were allegedly forced by the exam centre in charge to remove their hijabs. This accusation by the student’s parents led the state Education Department to order the removal of the exam centre administrator and the school principal, Ilaben Suratiya. Upon reviewing the CCTV recording of the exam hall, it was observed that two Muslim students were asked to remove their hijabs. The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board clarified that there is no specific rule regarding students’ attire and they can take exams in any appropriate dress.