Railways' exam rule on mangalsutra, sacred thread stirs fresh row in Karnataka

India Today

28-04-2025

A fresh controversy broke out over the Railway Department's Nursing Superintendent entrance examination, scheduled from April 28 to 30, after admit cards issued to candidates included instructions to remove religious symbols such as the mangalsutra (sacred marriage chain) and janivara (sacred thread) before entering the exam hall.According to the admit card for the examination, candidates are prohibited from wearing any ornaments, including mangalsutra, earrings, nose pins, rings, bracelets, and janivara while appearing for the computer-based test.advertisementThis controversy follows closely on allegations during Karnataka's Common Entrance Test (CET) earlier this month, where similar complaints were made about Hindu students being asked to remove sacred threads, intensifying concerns around the treatment of religious symbols during public examinations.
The guidelines, aimed at ensuring security and preventing malpractice, also ban mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, cameras, watches, belts, handbags, wallets, and electronic gadgets inside the examination hall.The instruction regarding religious symbols has led to sharp reactions from Hindu organisations, who argue that it infringes upon religious freedoms. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has demanded an immediate withdrawal of the order on the admit card for the examination to be held at the Manail Srinivas Nayak Besant Vidya Kendra in Bondel, Mangaluru, saying: 'This action will hurt the religious sentiments of crores of Hindus. In a country where Hindus are the majority, it is impossible to tolerate such anti-Hindu policies.'advertisementA social media user, Sharan Kumar Pumpwell, also voiced his opposition. Along with images of the admit card on Facebook, Kumar criticised the move as 'an anti-religious stance.'He appealed to authorities, including the District Collector and local MPs, to intervene and ensure that Hindu candidates are allowed to write the exam without being forced to compromise on their religious practices, and tagged Captain Brijesh Chowta, Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha member.The restrictions, meanwhile, seem to be in line with standard procedures for competitive exams. As printed on the admit card, as part of security measures, candidates are required to undergo Aadhaar-linked biometric verification, and any items that could conceal identity or facilitate unfair means are barred. The instructions also specify that biometric registration, frisking, and document verification will be strictly enforced.Candidates have been reminded that they must report well in advance to complete verification formalities, and those failing to comply with the guidelines risk disqualification from the examination process.However, Hindu groups insist that items like the janivara and mangalsutra are integral parts of personal faith and identity, and banning them during exams amounts to a violation of religious rights.