Overview

• The Railway Recruitment Board initially instructed candidates for the Nursing Superintendent exam to remove religious symbols such as mangalsutra and janivara, sparking protests.
• Hindu organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, strongly opposed the policy, citing violations of religious freedoms and traditions.
• Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna ordered the policy's reversal, ensuring candidates can retain religious symbols with necessary security checks instead of removal.
• The controversy follows similar incidents during Karnataka's CET exams earlier this month, where Hindu candidates were reportedly forced to remove sacred threads.
• Railway authorities have now clarified that religious sentiments will be respected, and candidates will not face restrictions on wearing culturally significant items during exams.