India, July 31 -- The Rajasthan government has allowed Sikh candidates to appear in competitive exams while wearing the five Sikh symbols of faith (kakars), including kara (steel bracelet), kirpan, and turban

The state government issued this directive after a female candidate from Punjab was asked to remove her kara during an examination in Jaipur. The incident sparked outrage among several Sikh organisations and candidates. "The religious sentiments and dignity of Sikh candidates must be fully respected at examination centres. Their religious beliefs should also be considered during security checks," additional chief secretary of home department Bhaskar A. Sawant said.

All the bodies that conduct examinations, including district collec...