DMC questions NDMC for asking schools to recite Gayatri Mantra

New Delhi, October 7

Delhi Minorities Commission (DMC) has issued a notice to the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) over a circular issued by it for recital of “Gayatri Mantra” during morning assemblies in the latter’s schools.

DMC chief Zafarul Islam Khan said the notice was issued to NDMC’s education department asking it to explain the reason behind issuing such a circular to its schools. “Is this not against our secular polity and will this not cause division in the ranks of students and teachers as many belong to minority communities who may not like to recite mantras of religious nature?” reads the notice.

When asked NDMC’s education committee head, Ritu Goel feigned ignorance about the notice  adding that the recital was not mandatory, stating that the circular  contained a set of “general directions” to ensure personal hygiene and wellbeing of students.

The BJP-governed NDMC has defended its circular saying it is a personal choice of the students. The municipal corporation runs 765 primary schools where around 2.2 lakh students are enrolled.

The circular was issued on September 6 by NDMC education department to its schools on recital of national anthem, prayer, Gayatri Mantra in addition to patriotic slogans; and had instructions on moral education, general awareness and physical exercise to be conducted in morning assemblies of schools. — TNS