West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu ordered a probe Tuesday into a hijab-related controversy at Jadavpur University (JU). The incident involved a third-year student allegedly asked to partially remove her headscarf during an English semester examination on December 17 .
Minister Basu stated the state government has taken a strong view of the alleged incident. He emphasized the necessity of immediate action to prevent similar occurrences within Bengal, a state recognized for its pluralistic traditions and secular values.
University Initiates Investigation
One day before Minister Basu’s announcement, JU Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharya had already constituted a three-member fact-finding committee. This committee’s mandate is to inquire into the specific details of the incident.
The panel includes Syed Tanveer Nasreen, a history professor from Burdwan University. Subarna Kumar Das, a faculty member from JU’s Department of Library and Information Science and SC-ST Cell liaison officer, also serves on the committee. Padma Shri awardee Kazi Masum Akhtar, the Chancellor’s nominee to the university’s executive council, completes the investigative body.
The committee received instructions to submit its complete findings within a timeframe of 30 days .
Allegations of Exam Incident
Members of the arts faculty SFI unit provided details to the Press Trust of India. They reported that during an English semester examination held on December 17 , an invigilator approached a third-year undergraduate student wearing a headscarf.
The invigilator allegedly requested this student to assist a classmate. The request involved the partial removal of the classmate’s hijab. The stated purpose was to check for the use of a wireless headphone, a prohibited electronic device during examinations.
The check reportedly concluded without revealing any suspicious items or unauthorized devices.
Minister’s Strong Response
In his initial public statement regarding the controversy, Minister Basu conveyed his stern disapproval. He unequivocally stated, “We have taken a strong view about the alleged incident.”
Basu further elaborated, “Such an action (removing the head scarf) cannot be allowed.” He stressed the critical need for “necessary action at the earliest” to ensure such incidents do not recur. He reiterated Bengal’s identity, stating it “is known for its pluralistic tradition and secular and liberal values.”
The Education Minister indicated a cautious approach. He stated, “We will wait for the findings about the incident from the minority commission before responding.”
Faculty Refutations and Official Role
Minister Basu acknowledged that senior faculty members of the English department had refuted the allegations. He noted, “That is their version. We can say only after ascertaining and examining all facts.”
Deputy Registrar (Addl) Ujjwal Kumar Mondal has been assigned as the ‘presenting officer’ for this matter. His role involves presenting information and findings related to the inquiry.
Faculty Members Deny Islamophobia Claims
A specific section of Jadavpur University faculty members publicly denied the allegations of Islamophobia. They offered an alternative explanation for the heightened scrutiny during exams.
These faculty members stated that “several students were caught attempting to cheat during the exam.” This widespread cheating prompted a tightening of vigilance across examination halls. They explained that “re-checking was carried out” if any examinee’s conduct appeared suspicious.
They provided specific examples, noting, “At least four examinees were caught using headphones last week.” Crucially, they added, “none of whom belonged to the minority community.”
A faculty member strongly asserted, “JU will be the last place to be levelled with such charges as Islamophobia.” The member also raised concerns about the impact of such accusations, stating, “If teachers are targeted in this manner, it would become impossible for them to carry out their duties.”