After hijab controversy, Bible row grips Karnataka
Monday, 25 April 2022 (15:46 IST)
Bengaluru: After hijab row, Bible row has gripped a city school which is asking parents to sign a declaration that they will not object to their wards mandatorily carrying the religious scripture to the class every day.
This decision by Clarence High School comes in the wake of the state government's plans to introduce Bhagavad Gita in the syllabus for public schools from next academic year.
In its admission form for Class XI, the school asks parents to sign a declaration asking the parents not to object to their wards carrying the Bible and Hymn Book during their stay at the school. And also not object to their children attending all classes including Morning Assembly Scripture Class and Clubs for their moral and spiritual welfare.
The decision has invited opposition from a section of society claiming that the school is forcing non-Christian students to read the Bible. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has ferociously flayed the move and said it is violative of the Karnataka Education Act.
"Bengaluru-based Christians school The Clarence High School Administration made compulsory carrying bible. Isn't Violation of the Karnataka Education Act 2002?" Karnataka HJS Spokesperson Mohan Gowda said.
The HJS plans to meet Karnataka Education Minister BC Nagesh and urge him to look into the matter. "If the government fails to take action, the organisation will file a PIL in the court," he said.
The school, however, has been adamant. Principal Jerry George stated that they have handed over the matter to legal experts for implementing the decision.
This row has erupted when the government is working on a plan to introduce Bhagavad Gita as part of moral science in schools.
On 20 March, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had backed the endeavors of the education ministry in this regard.
Earlier, Education Minister Nagesh had hinted at introducing Bhagavad Gita in schools from next academic year, saying that the spiritual entity is not only for Hindus, it is for all.
The BJP's decision has put the Congress in a fix. Some of its Muslim leaders called it more dangerous than Covid pandemic and others backed it. "We do not have any objection to teaching the Bhagavad Gita, Bible, Quran to children. But, children should be given quality education," Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Siddaramaiah said. (UNI)
