Bengaluru/Mangaluru: Union minister of state for railways V Somanna Monday clarified that religious symbols such as Mangalsutra and Janivara (sacred thread) will be allowed at a Railway Board examination on Tuesday. The clarification on social media follows confusion about disallowing of religious and sacred symbols for the nursing superintendent post exams.
Somanna said he received multiple complaints regarding Railway Board’s earlier stance on candidates being prohibited from wearing religious items while entering the exam hall.

The issue was raised by MPs, MLAs and Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha, among others. They brought the matter to Somanna’s attention, prompting him to discuss it with Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and senior railway officials.
“I’m pleased to report that this confusion has been resolved. Clear instructions have been issued to ensure candidates wearing items representing their culture — such as Janivara, Mangalyasutra — will not face any hindrance or trouble during examination,” Somanna stated.
He emphasised that candidates should adhere to all other examination rules.
The minister shared an amended order from Railway Board. The revised document listed the examination centre’s restricted items, specifying in paragraph 7 (ii) that candidates found carrying or wearing metallic items, religious symbols, bangles, ornaments, Mangalsutra, and bracelets will be allowed inside the examination hall with appropriate endorsement on their call letters. This would ensure that invigilators remain extra vigilant for such candidates.
The issue had sparked protests from Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which condemned Railway Board’s original condition. The controversy had caught the attention of Congress govt in Karnataka, with deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar expressing concern.
“Religious sentiments should not be hurt in the name of vigilance. We’ve maintained that religious symbols should not be tampered with or prohibited. Let them check, but it is wrong to ask them to remove it,” Shivakumar said.