Hindu prayers made compulsory in Chhattisgarh government schools; Govt imposes RSS agenda, says Congress
Representative Fig. | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Recitation of Gayatri Mantra and other Hindu prayers has been made compulsory by the Chhattisgarh government in all schools under its education department since the current academic session. The opposition Congress called it an attempt to push the RSS agenda in educational institutions.
The Department of School Education on June 12 informed all District Education Officers (DEOs) that recitals will be made compulsory starting from the 2026-27 academic session, which began on Tuesday (June 16, 2026).
As per the new guidelines, the morning assembly would include National Anthem, National Song, Deep Mantra, Saraswati Vandana, Guru Mantra and excerpts from biographies of great personalities.
The official added that during mid-day meal, students will recite the meal prayer (Bhojan Mantra), while the final session at the end of the school day will include the national song, Gayatri Mantra and Shanti Mantra.
Promote patriotism
The initiative intends to “promote patriotism, discipline, moral values and cultural awareness among students while strengthening their connection with Indian traditions and national ideals”.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Tuesday (June 16) that the state government is committed to “integrating Indian culture, traditions and spiritual values with modern education”.
The government has also directed the DEO to ensure strict implementation of the order. Officials will conduct inspections at schools and administrative action may be taken against school management or principals who violate prescribed guidelines, officials said.
Against the charter?
Congress demanded withdrawal of the move, questioning its constitutional validity in a secular country.
“Recitation of National Anthem, National Song and National Song is appropriate. But why Gayatri Mantra, Deep Mantra, Saraswati Mantra and Bhojan Mantra were made mandatory? The government seems determined to turn schools into Saraswati Shishu Mandirs. Imposing RSS agenda in government schools is wrong,” Congress spokesperson Sushil Anand Shukla said.
Mr. Shukla said that students of all creeds, castes and communities study in government schools and compulsory recitation of specific religious mantras could hurt the sentiments of people belonging to other faiths.
India is a secular country and our constitution guarantees equal respect to all religions. Education in government schools should not be based on any particular religion, he added.
The Indian education system, he argued, had traditionally treated all faiths equally, and warned that the compulsory recitation of Hindu religious mantras in government schools could lead members of other communities to demand the inclusion of verses from the Koran, Gurbani or the Bible.
Published – 16 Jun 2026 22:58 IST