Controversy erupts over ban on religious symbols in railway nursing exam

A new controversy has surfaced regarding the Railway Department’s Nursing Superintendent entrance examination, scheduled from April 28 to 30, after admit cards instructed candidates to remove religious symbols like the mangalasutra and janivara (sacred threat) before entering the exam hall. 

Also Read: Crackdown intensifies in wake of Pahalgam terror attack: Here are 10 key developments

The admit card explicitly bans all ornaments, including mangalsutras, earrings, nose pins, rings, bracelets, and sacred threads, along with items like mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, cameras, belts, wallets, and other electronic gadgets. While the guidelines are part of routine security measures to prevent identity concealment and malpractice, the restriction on religious symbols has sparked strong reactions from Hindu organizations.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) condemned the move, demanding its immediate withdrawal, stating that it hurts the religious sentiments of Hindus. Sharan Kumar Pumpwell, a social media user, also criticized the ban posting images of the admit card online and appealing to authorities and MPs to intervene so that Hindu candidates are not forced to compromise their religious identity. 

Meanwhile, authorities emphasized that strict frisking, Aadhaar-based biometric verification, and document checks will be mandatory for all candidates. Candidates have been advised to report early and comply fully to avoid disqualification. Despite this, Hindu groups maintain that banning items integral to faith violates religious freedom.