Hijab controversy in Gujarat: Examiner removed over girl`s complaint

The Gujarat Education Department removed the principal of a private school from her role as an exam administrator on Thursday following an uproar from parents.

Ilaben Suratiya is accused of deliberately forcing two Muslim girl students to take off their hijabs during the Class X board examination.

The incident sparked outrage among parents at Lions School in Ankleshwar town, Bharuch district.

Girls were attempting their mathematics paper administered by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB). 

CCTV footage reviewed by parents revealed that female supervisors at the school requested two Muslim students to remove their hijabs, claiming it was necessary for clear facial identification as per exam protocols.

Following discussions with parents, the GSHSEB clarified that there are no specific dress code rules for examinees, emphasising that students can wear any "decent" attire during exams. 

Exam Director M K Raval stated that students can appear for exams in any decent attire and that female supervisors can verify a student's identity by matching their face with the photo on the receipt.