Frisking exercise not to trouble candidates writing railway exam : Somanna

New Delhi: Minister of State for Railways V Somanna on Monday said that frisking exercise during railways recruitment exam will not hurt candidates cultural and religious beliefs.

"Clear instructions have been issued to the relevant authorities ensuring that candidates wearing items representing their culture, such as the Janivara, Mangalya Sutra, etc., will not face any hindrance or trouble during the examination process, " Somanna posted on X.

He said revised guidelines have been sent to concerned authorities.

"During frisking, candidates found carrying/ wearing metallic wears, religious symbols, bangles, ornaments, mangal sutra, bracelets shall be allowed inside the Examination Hall with suitable endorsement in their call letter so that, invigilators shall be extra vigilant for such candidates, " said the revised instructions.

"Candidates will be permitted to write the examination provided they adhere to all other prescribed examination rules and regulations, " Minister sad.

The Minister statement came following complaints he received over baning candidates from wearing sacred symbols, such as the Janivara (sacred thread) and Mangalya Sutra, before entering the examination hall.

The railways scheduled to hold recruitment examinations on April 28, 29, and 30, 2025.

After receiving complaints from MPs, MLAs and other organizations, matter has been discussed with the issue with Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, and confusion has now been resolved, Somanna said.

"I urge all candidates to cooperate by strictly following the established examination procedures for a smooth process. There is no need for any confusion or concern regarding the permissibility of wearing culturally significant items like the Janivara or Mangalya Sutra", the Somanna posted.