A fresh dispute has erupted over the Railway Department’s Nursing Superintendent exam (April 28–30) after admit cards instructed candidates to remove religious items like the mangalsutra (sacred necklace) and janivara (sacred thread) before entry.
The guidelines ban jewellery such as earrings, nose studs, rings, bangles, bracelets, and sacred threads during the computer-based test. These rules also forbid mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, watches, belts, wallets, handbags, and other electronic gadgets, all in an effort to prevent cheating and enhance security.
This issue closely follows earlier allegations during Karnataka’s Common Entrance Test, where Hindu candidates were reportedly asked to discard sacred threads, fueling ongoing concerns about religious expression during public exams.
Hindu groups, particularly the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), strongly objected, calling it an infringement on religious freedom. They demanded the immediate rollback of the directive at the Manail Srinivas Nayak Besant Vidya Kendra center in Mangaluru, warning that it hurts the religious sentiments of millions.
Activist Sharan Kumar Pumpwell also criticized the move online, tagging officials like Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta and requesting intervention to protect Hindu students’ religious rights.
Despite the backlash, officials clarified that biometric Aadhaar-based verification, frisking, and document checks are standard for all candidates. Candidates were advised to arrive early for security protocols, with non-compliance potentially leading to disqualification.
Religious groups, however, maintain that such bans disrespect integral symbols of faith and personal identity.
Read also: