SC-ST Teachers Oppose Gita in Uttarakhand Schools
Uttarakhand SC-ST Teachers’ Association says teaching Bhagavad Gita in state schools violates Constitution, demands withdrawal of order
By : Prithviraj Singh
Update: 2025-07-16 15:27 GMT
Dehradun: A day after schools in Uttarakhand began teaching verses from the Bhagavad Gita to students, the Uttarakhand Government SC-ST Teachers’ Association has opposed the move, alleging it is unconstitutional. The association argued that the Bhagavad Gita is a religious text and cannot be taught in state-funded schools, as doing so violates the principle of secularism.
In a letter to the School Education Director, the association requested the withdrawal of the directorate’s earlier order. President Sanjay Kumar Tamta cited Article 28(1) of the Indian Constitution, which provides that “no religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of state funds,” explaining that this provision upholds secularism and equal respect for all religions.
Referring to the government’s directive to include Gita verses in morning assemblies, the letter stated: “Mandating readings from a single religious text undermines the principle of secular education in government schools, where students of various religions, castes, and communities study. It risks causing discomfort and discrimination among followers of other faiths and goes against the objectives of social harmony and inclusive education.”
“The SC ST Teachers’ Association strongly opposes this directive and demands its withdrawal,” the letter concluded. “Education should promote a scientific outlook and inclusive values, not endorse any particular religious text.”
The Uttarakhand School Education Department had instructed all Chief Education Officers to incorporate Bhagavad Gita verses into school assemblies beginning July 15. While many schools complied, the SC-ST Teachers’ Association’s objection has now brought the order into question.