Despite concerns arising from Minister Nitesh Rane’s call to ban the burqa during board exams, the first day of the HSC exams proceeded without incident for burqa-clad students across the state. Rane had expressed apprehensions about the potential misuse of the burqa for cheating in a letter dated January 29 to Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, advocating for a ban at examination centres, and urging uniform rules for all students.

The demand for a burqa ban in exam centres has reignited the hijab debate in India, raising concerns over religious freedom and students’ rights. The state government never issued any official response to Rane’s letter. Instead, Bhuse has assured that there will be no burqa ban during board exams. He emphasised that the primary focus would be on preventing cheating and malpractices at exam centres.