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Karnataka Minister Promises Probe into CET 'Janeu' Row, Student Forced to Remove Sacred Thread

A CET student in Bengaluru was allegedly forced to remove his sacred thread before an exam, sparking a row. Karnataka Minister M.C. Sudhakar has promised a probe and strict action if the incident is confirmed. He stated no report has been received yet and questioned if the act was deliberate or staged. The controversy highlights tensions around religious symbols in educational settings.

Key Points: CET 'Janeu' Row: Karnataka Minister Orders Probe

  • Student forced to remove sacred thread at CET centre
  • Minister M.C. Sudhakar promises probe
  • No official report received yet
  • 745 exam centres across Karnataka
  • Incident allegedly staged or deliberate controversy possible
2 min read

CET 'Janeu' row: Karnataka Minister promises probe, says no report received yet

Karnataka Minister M.C. Sudhakar promises strict action after a student was allegedly forced to remove his sacred thread at a CET exam centre in Bengaluru.

"If any staff member of any institution has acted in an extreme or inappropriate manner, action will be taken. - M.C. Sudhakar"

Bengaluru, April 24

Minister for Higher Education, M.C. Sudhakar, responding to the alleged 'janeu' row, stated that the incident has not come to the notice of the Karnataka Examination Authority as yet. He said that if any such incident had taken place, a report would be sought and strict action would be initiated.

It may be noted that at a CET examination centre in Koramangala, Bengaluru, a student was allegedly forced to remove his sacred thread before being allowed to write the exam.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Friday, M.C. Sudhakar said, "The infrastructure of both government and private colleges is utilised while conducting the Common Entrance Test (CET). The services of staff from various institutions are also used on a large scale. If any staff member of any institution has acted in an extreme or inappropriate manner, action will be taken."

He added that no report regarding the incident has reached the authorities so far. "We do not have any information at present. It is also unclear whether the issue was resolved at the centre level. If we receive any information in this regard, strict action will definitely be taken," he said.

"There are 745 examination centres across the state. Just as the traffic police continuously create awareness about wearing helmets to save lives, yet violations still occur, similar issues arise during examinations as well. I do not know how to describe such behaviour-whether it is due to a particular mindset, done deliberately to create controversy, or an attempt to bring disrepute. We come across various possibilities," he stated.

"Some incidents may even be staged. We will not allow such practices. If anything of this sort has happened, we will take strict action within the legal framework," Sudhakar added.

It can be noted that, the janeu row has resurfaced in Karnataka following reports that a student appearing for the CET was allegedly denied entry into the examination hall unless he removed his 'janeu.'

The 'janeu' is a sacred thread worn by Hindu males, especially Brahmins, across the left shoulder and under the right arm, symbolising initiation into education and spiritual life.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As an non-Indian, it's surprising to see such an overt religious issue tied to education. In the US, we have separation of church and state, but here it seems deeply personal. I hope the authorities look into this quickly—no student should have to choose between their faith and an exam. 🤔
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Vikram M
I'm a Hindu and I wear the 'janeu' daily. This kind of discrimination is unacceptable in a modern Karnataka. The Minister's analogy with traffic violations is flawed—helmets are about safety, not identity. If the staff are untrained or biased, they should be held accountable. Let's not sweep this under the carpet.
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Priya S
I'm glad the Minister is promising a probe, but his tone suggests he's skeptical of the claim. Why can't they just say, "We'll investigate and act if true"? The "staged incident" comment feels like victim-blaming. Students have enough exam stress without worrying about their cultural symbols. 😔
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Michael C
From what I've read, the sacred thread is a big deal in Hindu culture. If a student was denied entry over this, that's unacceptable. The Minister's response sounds like typical bureaucratic waffling—no action until a report is filed. Come on, Karnataka, you can do better. The CET is for merit, not cultural tests.
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Arjun K
The 'janeu' row is a classic example of how small incidents get politicized in India. But honestly, if it did happen, it's a violation of fundamental rights. The Minister should set

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