A fresh controversy has emerged in Chhattisgarh ahead of the new academic session after the School Education Department directed all government schools to conduct prayers and mantra recitations at different times during the school day. While the state government says the move aims to connect students with Indian culture and values, the opposition Congress has accused the administration of promoting a particular ideological agenda through the education system.

The Chhattisgarh School Education Department has issued an order making daily prayers and mantra recitations mandatory in all government schools from the 2026–27 academic session. Under the new guidelines, students will participate in Saraswati Vandana, Guru Mantra, and other prayers during the morning assembly. A Bhojan Mantra will be recited before the mid-day meal, while the Gayatri Mantra will be chanted before school dispersal.

According to officials, the initiative is intended to promote moral values, discipline, cultural awareness, and character development among students. The department has instructed schools across the state to ensure strict implementation of the new prayer schedule when classes resume on June 16.

Opposition Raises Objections

The decision has triggered a political debate in the state. The Congress party has strongly opposed the order, arguing that government schools cater to students from diverse religious and social backgrounds and should remain ideologically neutral.

Congress leaders questioned the need to make specific religious or cultural prayers mandatory in public educational institutions. They argued that schools should focus on education and inclusivity rather than promoting any particular tradition.

The party has urged the state government to reconsider the order, claiming that such directives could alienate sections of society and spark unnecessary controversy.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, defended the move and accused Congress of opposing Indian cultural values. BJP spokesperson Amit Chimanani said the Gayatri Mantra carries a universal message of wisdom and well-being and should not be viewed through a political lens.

New Academic Session Preparations

The order comes just days before schools reopen across Chhattisgarh following the summer vacation. The Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) has confirmed that all government and private schools will resume classes from June 16, 2026.

Authorities are also preparing for admission festivals across the state. New students will be welcomed through special orientation programs, while free textbooks, uniforms, and bicycles will be distributed to eligible beneficiaries. Special campaigns are also being planned to bring school dropouts back into the education system.

Officials say the broader objective is to combine academic learning with value-based education and cultural awareness. The prayer initiative is being presented as part of that larger educational framework.

Impact and Public Discussion

Education experts believe that collective prayer sessions can help foster discipline, unity, and a sense of community among students. However, critics argue that mandatory recitation of specific mantras in government schools could raise concerns about inclusivity in a diverse society.

The issue has now moved beyond education policy and entered the political arena, with both ruling and opposition parties using it to advance competing narratives.

As schools prepare to reopen, the implementation of the new prayer system will be closely watched. The debate surrounding the mandatory Gayatri Mantra and Saraswati Vandana is expected to remain a prominent public interest story and one of the most discussed education-related developments in Chhattisgarh.