Key Facts
The Chhattisgarh government has made the daily recitation of prayers, including the Gayatri Mantra, mandatory in all state-run schools from the current academic year. The circular, issued by the School Education Department on June 12, 2026, requires schools to conduct a series of cultural, educational, and value-based activities throughout the school day. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition Congress, which accuses the ruling BJP of imposing a religious agenda.
Details of the Order
According to the circular, the morning assembly must include the national anthem, national song, Deep Mantra, Saraswati Vandana, Guru Mantra, and readings from biographies of eminent personalities. Before the mid-day meal, students will recite a Bhojan Mantra. The closing session at the end of the school day will feature the state song, Gayatri Mantra, and Shanti Mantra.
A government official stated that the initiative aims to promote patriotism, discipline, moral values, intellectual development, and awareness of Indian culture and traditions among students. The government has directed District Education Officers (DEOs) to ensure strict implementation through inspections, and administrative action may be taken against managements or principals found violating the guidelines.
Congress Opposition
The Congress party has strongly opposed the decision. Chhattisgarh Congress Communication Department chairman Sushil Anand Shukla said that while reciting the national anthem, national song, and state song is appropriate, making Hindu religious mantras mandatory is unwarranted. He accused the government of trying to turn schools into Saraswati Shishu Mandirs and imposing the RSS agenda. Shukla warned that compulsory recitation of specific religious mantras could hurt the sentiments of students from other faiths and might lead to demands for including verses from the Quran, Gurbani, and the Bible.
Senior Congress leader and former deputy chief minister T.S. Singh Deo also criticized the move, calling it contrary to the spirit of the Constitution. Speaking in Ambikapur, he said religious freedom is a fundamental right and participation in prayers or mantras associated with any religion should remain voluntary. He urged the state government to withdraw the order or allow an opt-out option.
Impact and Reactions
The decision has sparked a debate on the role of religion in government-funded education. While the BJP government defends the move as a way to instill cultural values, critics argue that it violates the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution. The controversy is likely to intensify as schools begin implementing the new routine.
What Readers Should Know
- The order applies to all state-run schools in Chhattisgarh.
- Strict compliance is expected, with inspections and potential penalties for non-compliance.
- The Congress has demanded withdrawal of the order or provision for opt-out.
- The issue highlights the ongoing tension between religious practices and secular education in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Chhattisgarh government order regarding schools?
The School Education Department issued a circular on June 12 making daily recitation of prayers including the Gayatri Mantra mandatory in all state-run schools.
Why is the Congress opposing this decision?
Congress leaders argue that forcing Hindu religious mantras in government schools violates the secular spirit of the Constitution and may hurt sentiments of students from other faiths.
What activities are included in the new school routine?
The order includes morning assembly with national anthem, national song, Deep Mantra, Saraswati Vandana, Guru Mantra; Bhojan Mantra before mid-day meal; and closing with state song, Gayatri Mantra, and Shanti Mantra.
What action will be taken if schools do not comply?
The government has directed District Education Officers to ensure strict implementation through inspections, and administrative action may be taken against violators.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com