Mangalore, March 15: A 17-year old Muslim girl, who had been forced to stay away from classes throughout her second year Pre University Course at Moodbidri based Jains College for covering her head, was finally allowed to appear for final examination on Thursday.
Though the College had refused to give admission ticket to Commerce student Hadiya Iqbal to write the all-important examination till Wednesday, the Department of PU Education finally granted her special permission.
“As per the direction of Department, the admission ticket was handed over to me by an official in front of the DC Office in Mangalore around 7:00 am today and I managed to return to Moodbidri and reach my examination centre, i.e. Alva's College on time”, said Ms Hadiya.
She said though the officials on Wednesday had asked her to sign on a letter containing 10 conditions, before receiving the admission ticket, on Thursday morning she was issued the ticket without any condition.
Ms Hadiya said she had worked hard at home as she was barred from entering the classes. “Today I appeared for Computer Science examination. The teachers have given me zero mark in internals. But, still I hope for a good result”, she said.
In last September, the college management had assured the local police of giving the girl the hall ticket for the final exams. On the basis of this assurance, she had been studying at home throughout the academic year, since she attended II PU classes only for the first 10 days.
“However when I called the College last month to submit my Computer Science record books, the authorities told me that I cannot submit the records; nor can I write the exams as I did not have enough attendance. When I persisted they asked me to get a permission letter from the PU Department. Finally I received the admission ticket”, she said.
Hadiya managed to complete the first year PUC at Jain College, despite the institution imposing new rules disallowing girls from wearing head scarf. However, after entering II year, the girl had decided to fight for her 'constitutional rights'.
Hadiya's mother Hina said that her daughter had never violated the norms of uniform, as she covered her head only with the uniform dupatta and did not wear a burkha inside the class.
Though the Hijab clad girl had complained to district administration and human rights commission, the College had denied her entry till last day even after receiving a hefty fee from her.
Related:
Targeted by college authorities, hijab clad girl pledges to fight for her right
Jain College's action is violation of Indian Constitution, says NAC member
Rights panel chief suggests Hadiya to take the battle to SC
Scarf row: Hadiya's future hinges on PU Department's decision
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