Tirna Sengupta, a former student of Lady Shri Ram College For Women was allegedly harassed by the staff of Delhi Public School, Siliguri for wearing a jumpsuit to the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET).
THE ISSUE
On 8th July, Tirna dressed up as usual and went to her examination center, DPS Siliguri. To her surprise, she was not allowed to appear for the exam as her clothes were termed “indecent” by the school authorities. She was allowed to sit for the exam only when she went back home and changed her clothes. Not only was she humiliated but was also forced to comply with arbitrary rules minutes before a career-deciding exam.
Neither the NET guidelines nor the admit card mentions any provision of a dress code. The center too did not inform the candidates about any such rule. Tirna also alleges that the authorities did not stop other students from wearing watches to the center which are clearly prohibited in the admit card itself.
In spite of the humiliation and panic, Tirna decided to maintain her composure and write the exam.
Speaking to DU Express, Tirna said, “What these patriarchs really feel is that they can leave you flustered and rattled. They want women to sacrifice their dreams by reacting to situations they cause. I feel both things were important: one, the rebellion on the outside and two, being pragmatic on the inside and saving my career. I am even more determined now to somehow enter this system and subvert it from within.”
Tirna has already written to the UGC and the CBSE and is waiting for a response.
