Karnataka: Controversy Over Ban On Mangalsutra, Sacred Thread In Railway Nursing Exam – News18

Last Updated:April 28, 2025, 12:29 IST

Controversy erupted over the Railway Nursing Exam’s ban on religious symbols like mangalsutra, leading Minister V. Somanna to instruct officials to allow them.

A fresh controversy has emerged over the Railway Department’s Nursing Superintendent entrance examination 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. Union Minister of State for Railways, V. Somanna, has since intervened, instructing officials not to prevent candidates from wearing these symbols during the examination. This information was shared by MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta. The exam is scheduled to be held on April 29 at the Bondel-based Manel Srinivas Nayak Besant Vidya Kendra in Mangaluru.

According to the admit card, candidates are prohibited from wearing any ornaments, including mangalsutra, earrings, nose pins, rings, bracelets, and janivara while appearing for the computer-based test. These instructions have sparked widespread debate, as they touch upon religious sensitivities and personal beliefs.

The controversy is particularly sensitive as it comes closely on the heels of similar complaints from the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (CET) earlier this month. In that instance, Hindu students were allegedly asked to remove sacred threads, leading to widespread concerns about the treatment of religious symbols during public examinations.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has strongly opposed the order, demanding its withdrawal. They argue that the requirement to remove religious symbols, particularly the mangalsutra, infringes upon the religious rights of candidates, especially Hindu women. VHP Pranta Sahakaryadarshi Sharan Pumpwell took to Facebook, urging the authorities to revoke the condition and allow Hindu candidates to take the exam without compromising their religious beliefs. He said, “I urge authorities to revoke such orders and ensure that Hindu candidates are allowed to write the exam in a manner that does not hurt their religious sentiments.”

In a press release, VHP Prachara Prasara Pramukh Pradeep Saripalla also condemned the move, linking it to similar actions during the CET exam.

“The examination is scheduled to be held on April 29, at Manal Srinivas Nayak Besant Vidya Kendra, Bondel. The admission letter for the exam mentions that Hindu candidates must remove their religious symbols like the Mangalsutra and Janivara (sacred thread) before entering the exam hall to write the exam. Such an order is not appropriate. Recently, during the CET examination, forcibly removing the sacred thread of Hindu candidates hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and caused widespread outrage across the state. Forcing married Hindu women to remove their Mangalsutra or Sindoor (vermilion), or asking Hindus to take off their sacred thread, deeply hurts the religious feelings of millions of Hindus. In a country where Hindus are the majority, it is intolerable to have such anti-Hindu actions,” reads the release.

The VHP has urged district authorities to take appropriate action to ensure that candidates can appear for the exam without compromising their religious beliefs.

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The guidelines, designed to maintain security and prevent malpractice, also prohibit mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, cameras, watches, belts, handbags, wallets, and electronic gadgets inside the exam hall.

These restrictions align with standard procedures for competitive exams. According to the admit card, candidates must undergo Aadhaar-linked biometric verification, and any items that could conceal identity or facilitate cheating are strictly prohibited. The instructions further emphasise that biometric registration, frisking, and document verification will be rigorously enforced.