Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 21: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday strongly criticised the removal of sacred threads ("Janivara") during the Common Entrance Test (CET), stating that it is "very wrong."

"It was wrong to remove the 'Janivara'. People wear items like the 'linga' (Shiva lingam) or 'udu-dara' (a string of cotton tied around the waist). Sacred items such as thaali, bangles, ear rings and 'Janivara' should not be touched," Shivakumar asserted.

He emphasised that these are personal religious matters and that the government does not support interference in such practices. "There is a practice of removing such items during police recruitment tests, but they should not be removed in schools or colleges. What was done here is wrong. In the past, there have been incidents where students used hidden Bluetooth devices and other gadgets to cheat. Measures have now been taken to prevent such malpractices," he explained.

The controversy arose after incidents at Sai Spoorthi Pre-University College in Bidar and examination halls in Shivamogga, where students were allegedly denied entry or forced to remove their sacred threads.

Following an investigation, the principal and an invigilator from Sai Spoorthi College were suspended by the Higher Education Department secretary. Additionally, a police complaint has been filed against an education department officer in Shivamogga.

Suchivrat Kulkarni, a student from Shivamogga, reported that he was denied entry and faced insensitive comments from staff regarding his sacred thread.

Furthermore, Shivakumar criticised Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka for his claims regarding the caste census report. "A person who holds a responsible position should not lie," Shivakumar stated. "If he wants to know whether the caste census report is genuine or fake, he should ask Jayaprakash Hegde, who was the chairman of the commission, or the officer Dayanand. He will get the answer."

Ashoka had previously alleged that the caste census report currently available is "fake."

Regarding minister Satish Jarkiholi's statement that the implementation of the caste census would take another year, Shivakumar said, "This is an internal matter to be discussed within the Cabinet."