Union Minister Somanna orders no removal of sacred threads, mangalsutras during Railways Exams

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, April 28, 2025: Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, has directed railway authorities not to enforce the removal of sacred threads (janivara) and mangalsutras from candidates appearing for the Indian Railways Nursing Superintendent recruitment exam.

His intervention followed widespread outrage over a Railway Department circular, cited in admit cards, that prohibited religious symbols like sacred threads and mangalsutras inside examination centres. The directive drew strong criticism from Hindu organisations.

Mangaluru MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta flagged the issue with the Railway Department and personally discussed it with Minister Somanna. Announcing the development on social media platform X, Capt. Chowta said, "Happy to inform that after we brought the matter to his attention, Union Minister of State V. Somanna has intervened and instructed authorities not to demand the removal of religious symbols like mangalsutra and janivara from candidates."

Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar also condemned the original order, accusing the BJP of double standards. Speaking to reporters outside his Bengaluru residence, he said, "Forcing candidates to remove religious symbols during examinations is wrong. The order should be withdrawn."

He added that while checks to prevent malpractice are necessary, forcibly removing sacred items such as earrings, nose rings, sacred threads, or vermillion marks is unacceptable. He acknowledged concerns over the misuse of small electronic devices but stressed that religious sentiments must be respected.

The Railways’ banned items list originally included mobile phones, calculators, Bluetooth devices, health bands, belts, bracelets, handbags, and religious items such as mangalsutras and sacred threads.

This controversy follows similar incidents during the recent Karnataka CET exams, where students were asked to remove sacred threads before entering exam halls in Shivamogga, Bidar, and Dharwad. In Bidar, a student who refused was denied entry to the exam.

The Karnataka government later issued an apology, suspended the responsible principal and staff, and promised justice for the affected student.

Meanwhile, the Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasangha has filed a PIL in the Karnataka High Court over the CET incidents, while the BJP has approached the National Human Rights Commission, alleging discrimination against Hindu students.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka also weighed in, criticising the perceived inconsistency, noting that Hindu students were barred for wearing sacred threads while Muslim students wearing hijabs were allowed to appear for the exam, further intensifying the debate.