Breaking: Rajasthan takes major decision over Sikh students wearing Kirpan, Kara in exams
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 30, 2025: Days after growing outrage in the Sikh community over a Sikh girl being barred from examination centers for wearing articles of faith, the Rajasthan Government has officially allowed turban, kara, and kirpan to be worn by baptised Sikh candidates during competitive and recruitment exams.
The directive, issued on July 29 by the Rajasthan Home (Group-1) Department, reaffirms a previous 2019 order, instructing all exam-conducting agencies to respect religious rights while ensuring exam security protocols.
Departments, including the Police, Education, and Public Service Commission, have been asked to ensure non-discriminatory implementation of these guidelines. The order issued by the state government said that Sikh students will be allowed to appear for the exams wearing religious symbols like turban, kirpan and kada during the exams provided it is clearly related to religious faith and does not impact public order.
Reacting to the development, Shiromani Akali Dal President and Sukhbir Singh Badal welcomed the Rajasthan Government’s response, calling it a positive step toward safeguarding Sikh identity in public institutions.
“I welcome the Rajasthan Government’s decision to allow Sikh students to wear articles of their faith, including the turban, kara, and kirpan, in examination centers.”He further expressed gratitude to the leadership:
“I am grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for responding positively and promptly to our request to ensure baptised Sikhs are not discriminated in any way.”
However, Badal also made a strong appeal for corrective measures in specific cases where Sikh candidates were unfairly denied entry.“I urge the Rajasthan CM to direct authorities to provide a special opportunity to students like Gurpreet Kaur and others who were unfairly denied entry to exams for wearing their sacred kakaars,” he said.
Sukhbir Badal emphasized the need for uniform screening procedures that do not target any religious group.
“I request that screening of all students be conducted uniformly, without religious bias or discrimination against Sikh students,” he added.
The issue came into the spotlight after a Sikh girl, Gurpreet Kaur, was reportedly not allowed to appear for her exam due to wearing a kirpan and kara, which are among the five mandatory symbols (Kakars) of the Sikh faith. The incident triggered widespread criticism, prompting political leaders and Sikh organizations to demand clarity and corrective action from the Rajasthan Government.
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