The SC-ST Teachers’ Association has opposed the instruction to teach verses of the Bhagavad Gita in schools during prayer meetings in Uttarakhand. The association says that this step is against the secular spirit of the Indian Constitution and undermines religious neutrality in educational institutions.
Demand for immediate withdrawal of the instruction
The SC-ST Teachers’ Association has written a letter to the Director of Education demanding immediate withdrawal of this instruction. Association President Sanjay Kumar Tamta said that according to Article 28 (1) of the Constitution, religious education cannot be given in government-aided institutions. Compulsory teaching of religious texts like the Gita in prayer meetings is not only a violation of the Constitution, but it can also foster a feeling of discrimination among students.
Impact on inclusive education
The association argues that students of all religions, castes and communities study in government schools, so giving priority to the scripture of a particular religion is contrary to the inclusive nature of education. The association said that the aim of education should be to promote scientific thinking and equality, not to impose religious beliefs.
Forced to stage statewide protests
The teachers’ union warned that if this order is not withdrawn soon, they will be forced to stage statewide protests. The union also clarified that their aim is not to insult religious texts but to protect the constitutional and inclusive education system