A Pakistani Hindu refugee, Dami Kohli has allegedly been denied permission by Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education to appear for class 12 board examination. However, State Education Minister Govind Singh Dotasra has said that the girl will be allowed to appear in the examination, even if the government has to change rules.

Kohli came to India from Sindh in Pakistan a few years ago fleeing religious persecution and completed her 10th from Pakistan. She is living in Aanganwa refugee camp, around 20 km from Jodhpur, and got admission to a local school in the science stream in the 11th standard.

She said, “I took admission in the school in 2018. I studied there for the whole year and passed the 11th standard. I have my mark-sheet also. Only one month is left for board exams and the school has given me a notice stating that I will not be allowed to appear for the examination. I have given all the proofs. I should also get the right to education.”

Dotasra said a letter has been written to the Pakistani embassy seeking details of their syllabus. He said, “She completed X from Pakistani board and now wants to appear for 12th board exams in Rajasthan. We have written a letter to the Pakistani embassy seeking information about their syllabus. We are comparing our syllabus with theirs.”

He further added, “If we get a positive response from them, we will definitely allow her. Even if we get a negative response from them, we will change rules and will allow her.” 

Hindu Singh Sodha, convenor, Seemant Lok Sangathan, said that Dami had migrated with her family from Sindh due to religious persecution there. He explained, “She had completed her 10th exam there. She has also had a transfer certificate. She had done all the formalities which were required. I am really shocked to see that the Board has returned her form and with certain objection… I don’t what kind of formalities they need.”

Source: ANI