A recent directive issued by the Chhattisgarh School Education Department mandating the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra during prayers in government schools has triggered a political and social debate across the state. The order, issued on June 12, includes the recitation of the national anthem, national song, Gayatri Mantra, Deep Mantra, Bhojan Mantra, and other traditional prayers as part of the daily school assembly.

The decision has drawn criticism from former Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo, the Congress party, and several minority organizations, which argue that making the recitation of a religious mantra compulsory in government schools raises concerns about religious freedom and the secular character of public institutions.

The controversy has quickly become a topic of public discussion, with opposition leaders calling on the state government to reconsider the directive.

Concerns Over Religious Freedom

Speaking on the issue, former Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo stated that religious freedom is one of the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution. He argued that the acceptance or recitation of any religious mantra should remain a matter of personal faith and individual choice.

According to Singh Deo, citizens should be free to practice and worship according to their beliefs, but no religious practice should be imposed on individuals belonging to different faiths. He maintained that making such recitations mandatory in government-run educational institutions could conflict with the spirit of constitutional secularism.

Political observers note that the issue has reignited discussions about the balance between cultural traditions and constitutional protections in public education.

Minority Organizations Demand Withdrawal

Several minority groups and educational organizations have also voiced their opposition to the directive. Representatives of minority community organizations submitted memorandums through local administrative authorities, urging the state government and the education minister to revoke the order.

These groups argue that government schools serve students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. They contend that compulsory recitation of a mantra associated with a particular religious tradition may make some students uncomfortable and could be viewed as inconsistent with the principle of equal treatment.

The organizations have called for school assemblies to remain inclusive and focused on values that are acceptable to students from all communities.

Congress Criticizes Government Move

Leaders of the Congress party's minority wing have accused the government of prioritizing ideological issues over pressing challenges facing the education sector. They argue that concerns such as unemployment, rising costs, examination irregularities, and educational infrastructure require greater attention.

Party representatives have alleged that introducing mandatory religious recitations in schools risks creating unnecessary divisions and shifting focus away from academic priorities.

Local Congress leaders also expressed concern that educational institutions should remain spaces dedicated to learning and social harmony rather than becoming arenas for political or ideological debates.

Government Yet to Respond

As of now, the state government has not announced any changes to the directive. Education department officials have not publicly indicated whether the order will be reviewed following the objections raised by political leaders and community organizations.

The issue is expected to remain under discussion in the coming days as stakeholders from different sections of society continue to express their views.