Karnataka Forest and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre, on Sunday, April 20 announced that Suchivrath Kulkarni, a student who had skipped the mathematics test of the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) due to a controversy over wearing a sacred thread (thread worn by Brahmins as part of their religious practice), will be offered a free seat at the Bheemanna Khandre Institute of Technology in Bhalki.
This institute is under the management of the Shanti Vardhak Education Society, chaired by Minister Khandre himself.
Accompanied by Municipal Administration Minister Rahim Khan, Minister Khandre visited Kulkarni's residence to convey the decision, stressing that it was made in consideration of the student's future prospects. He further said that efforts are underway to explore additional opportunities for Kulkarni to take the KCET.
“Considering the importance of safeguarding the student’s educational future, I offered Suchivrat a free seat at our engineering college in Bhalki,” the minister said.
Last week, four Brahmin students, including Kulkarni, were asked to remove their sacred threads before appearing for the KCET exam. While some complied, Kulkarni refused, leading to his inability to take the test.
In response to these events, Karnataka's Higher Education Minister, MC Sudhakar, instructed detailed reports from district officials. Based on findings and recommendations from Bidar Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma, Assistant Commissioner and the Deputy Director of Pre-University Education, the college dismissed Principal Chandrashekar Biradar and Second Division Clerk Satish Pawar.
The report revealed that the staff had violated KEA protocols, which allow non-metallic sacred threads to be worn during exams, and pointed out inconsistencies in enforcement. Suchivrat Kulkarni was reportedly allowed to wear his sacred thread during the Physics and Chemistry papers at the same examination centre on April 16.
While the Principal Secretary of Higher Education had called for suspension and disciplinary action, the college chose to terminate both staff members. The KEA and the district administration have been instructed to implement corrective measures to ensure that no student is denied access to exams based on religious attire, as long as it complies with examination guidelines.
Minister Khandre assured that the government is taking strict actions to address these lapses and ensure fair treatment for all students appearing for examinations.
The Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha has welcomed Minister Khandre's decision.