By Dr Kouser Fathima,
I was surprised to read about the Supreme Court’s refusal to interfere in the dress code diktat of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT). Many wondered as to why would the Supreme Court interfere in a trivial issue like this?
In the wake of increased cheating in examination with the help of new gadgets, the CBSE board had issued dress code where in long sleeves, shoes, headscarves, etc. were not allowed for the students taking up the examination.
As two female students challenged the CBSE decision in the Kerala High Court, they were permitted to appear in traditional clothes, but pressed for additional frisking. However, as a students’ organisation challenged the CBSE circular in the Apex Court, the court refused to entertain the plea. The bench headed by Chief Justice of India HL Dattu rejected the plea, saying, “If you appear in an examination without a scarf, your faith will not disappear.”
As expected some supported the decision and some didn’t. But many felt it was against the fundamental rights as constitution allows an individual to dress according to choice as long as it did no harm to others. Both sides came up with arguments and counter arguments.
Cheating would be done even without scarves, long sleeves and not to forget cheating is rampant among boys who don’t wear headscarves. With advancement in technology, those practising unfair means have become very innovative coming up with new methods. Hence, the dress code would be futile to curb cheating and also sent a wrong signal that girls are guiltier of the act. Instead the board would have to be more vigilant and follow stricter actions to prevent cheating. CCTV cameras and more invigilators should be used to monitor the exam halls.
The people complaining could have also shown some sense, an issue which could have been amicably solved was over blown, dragged further only adding to the problem of the students.
What is more disturbing is some organisations have given it a new twist. Not only have they have given a communal twist but have linked half sleeve dresses and no scarves to harassment and blackmailing. They feel girls in such dresses attract male attention, can be followed, harassed and blackmailed. Seriously, if some pervert has to do all this, even locking up girls in four walls won’t help. These statements are not only regressive but detrimental to the female students.
Education aims not just to provide a degree but also give you confidence and courage to face the world. There is no dearth of opportunities for girls who are hardworking and talented. We have many hijabi girls excelled in various fields such as Zainab Sayeed, who topped in UPSC interview, and also many non-hijabis who are successful yet very religious.
Aim should be to encourage girls and provide safe environment for them to succeed and this is a responsibility of both the state and the society.
(Dr Kouser Fathima is a Bengaluru based writer. She can be reached at [email protected])
[Photo Credit: wn.com]