Chandigarh: The Haryana government has permitted students and candidates appearing in various examinations across the state to wear a kirpan and mangalsutra, subject to strict conditions. The decision aims to address difficulties faced by Sikh students and married women candidates at examination centres.
In detailed guidelines issued on Tuesday, the state government said the relaxation would apply to examinations conducted by schools, colleges, universities and recruitment agencies. The move follows court interventions after several Sikh students and married women were reportedly denied entry to exam centres because of a kirpan or mangalsutra.
According to a notification issued by the Chief Secretary’s office, Sikh students and candidates will be allowed to carry a kirpan within prescribed limits. The total length of the kirpan must not exceed nine inches (22.86 cm), while the blade length should be no more than six inches (15.24 cm). Such candidates have been advised to report at least one hour before the scheduled time at examination centres to facilitate security checks.
The guidelines also reiterate that all candidates must report at least 30 minutes before the commencement of examinations.
The decision has been taken in view of various rulings by the Delhi High Court and the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which emphasised protecting religious and cultural rights while ensuring the smooth conduct of examinations.
All administrative secretaries have been directed to ensure that departments, boards, corporations, universities and recruitment agencies under their control issue necessary instructions. The aim, the government said, is to properly sensitise examination staff, invigilators and security personnel so that candidates are not subjected to harassment or inconvenience.
