Haryana Government Permits Religious Symbols in Examination Halls
The Haryana government has taken a significant step to accommodate religious practices during examinations. On Tuesday, authorities issued a formal notification allowing Sikh candidates to carry a kirpan and married women to wear a mangalsutra in exam halls across the state.
Specific Guidelines for Sikh Candidates
Sikh students and candidates will now be permitted to wear and carry a kirpan during exams. However, strict size limits apply to ensure safety and security. The total length of the kirpan must not exceed nine inches, which is approximately twenty-two point eight six centimeters. Additionally, the blade itself cannot be longer than six inches, or fifteen point two four centimeters.
These candidates must report to their examination center at least one hour before the scheduled start time. This early reporting requirement allows exam staff to verify compliance with the size restrictions and manage any necessary security checks smoothly.
Provisions for Married Women
Married women candidates will also benefit from this new policy. They are allowed to wear their mangalsutra, a traditional symbol of marriage, during examinations. To facilitate this, these candidates need to arrive at the exam center thirty minutes before the exam begins. This extra time helps invigilators confirm that the mangalsutra meets the guidelines without causing delays.
Legal Basis and Implementation
The decision stems from various court judgments, including rulings by the Delhi High Court and the Punjab and Haryana High Court. These courts have emphasized the importance of protecting religious and cultural rights while ensuring examinations proceed without disruption.
The chief secretary's office in Chandigarh issued the notification to all relevant departments. Administrative secretaries have received directives to inform heads of departments, boards, corporations, universities, and recruiting agencies under their control. Examination staff, invigilators, and security personnel must be properly briefed on these new rules.
Ensuring Compliance and Preventing Discrimination
The Haryana government has stressed the need for strict adherence to these instructions. The goal is to prevent any inconvenience or discrimination against candidates exercising their religious rights. By setting clear guidelines and reporting times, authorities aim to balance cultural sensitivity with exam security.
This move reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity in educational and recruitment processes. It acknowledges the diverse cultural fabric of Haryana while maintaining the integrity of examination procedures.
