Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has demanded a ban on wearing the burqa during the upcoming Class 10 and 12 state board examinations, citing security concerns and the potential for cheating.
In a letter to Maharashtra’s School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, Rane argued that religious attire should be restricted to homes and places of worship, asserting that burqas could be used to conceal electronic devices or paper chits for cheating.
He suggested deploying female police officers or staff to conduct security checks if necessary.
Speaking to the media, Rane insisted that no religious group should receive special treatment, stating that if students from other communities do not wear religious attire in educational institutions, Muslim students should not be an exception.
“This is a Hindutva government, and there is no need to appease anyone,” he remarked.
He also raised identity verification concerns, pointing to past instances where burqas were allegedly misused for cheating. Referring to a previous government resolution that permitted burqas in exam halls, he urged officials to revoke such policies. “This is not Pakistan or Afghanistan,” he added.
Rane, the MLA from Kankavli, currently holds the Fisheries and Ports Development portfolios. The School Education Ministry has yet to respond to his demands.
The Maharashtra Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exam for Class 10 is scheduled to begin on February 21, while the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exam for Class 12 will start on February 11.
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