In a bold move, Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh has imposed a ban on the head scarf used by women to cover their faces. This has reportedly been done to prevent the entry of unknown people in the university premises.
It is being said that this is probably for the first time that a leading university has taken such a firm step. The move, however, well intended and necessary for keeping the university campus safe, has drawn sharp reaction from several quarters. It seems that those who see hijab and burqa as symbols of empowerment are opposing this move.
The Chaudhary Charan Singh University has defended this move on legitimate grounds and the Proctoral Board has stated that this was an important move as the entry of unknown people was deteriorating the college’s atmosphere. Accordingly, this decision has been taken after several unknown people were caught inside the campus in the past, who failed to provide identity cards when they were asked for verification. This shows how the head scarf can be misused for gaining unauthorised entry in the campus. The authorities informed that women covering their faces with a veil makes it difficult for them to distinguish between university students and outsiders.
Chief Proctor Alka Chaudhary further elaborated upon this issue and stated that, ”A lot of girls, who were not students of this university, were found roaming inside the campus”. She added that the present move has been taken with the view of restricting entry of unknown people in the campus and that as of now, the university is not taking any action against them, but warning has been given that if this continues the university will inform the police. Voicing her concern about the issue of outsiders trespassing into the campus, she states that classes have not yet started and a lot of unknown students were being found loitering in the campus.
This is being done to restrict entry of unknown people in campus. As of now, we aren't taking action against them, but have given them warning. If this continues we'll inform police: Alka Chaudhury, Chief Proctor on banning head scarf in Chaudhary Charan Singh University(17.7.18) pic.twitter.com/10dbXGIewd
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) July 18, 2018
Principal of one of the colleges affiliated to the university reacted to unnecessary criticism around the move and stated that, ”This is just a measure to restrict the entry of unknown people which is degrading the atmosphere of the college.” It is being said that despite the move facing a backlash from politically motivated elements, a number of the university students who must have been feeling harassed by unknown and rowdy elements gaining authorised access into the campus have come out in support of the decision. They feel that this was indeed needed for betterment of the university campus.
No matter what the politically motivated critics might have to say about this move, the university administration has indeed taken a bold and historic step. This has set a precedent for the times to come. The university has made its priorities clear, it does not care for unnecessary and political criticism when it comes to ensuring safety of the university campus. This sets an example not only for India but for the entire world. The entire world should realise that head scarf and veils can be used for all kinds of crimes. Just because the clerics of a particular religion insist on women covering their faces, we should not ignore the fact that it is a potent security threat. Chaudhary Charan Singh university has shown that security is the paramount consideration. In fact, the entire world should move towards banning it given the risk quotient of its misuse.
