Recitation of Hindu prayers made must in Chhattisgarh schools

The Chhattisgarh Government has mandated daily recitation of Gayatri Mantra and other Hindu prayers along with the national anthem and national song across all schools under its education department from the academic session 2026-27, officials said on Tuesday.

The direction to conduct a series of daily cultural, educational and value-based activities is aimed at fostering patriotism, promoting students’ intellectual development and familiarising them with Indian culture and traditions, they said.

Opposition Congress questioned the need to make recitation of Hindu prayers compulsory in schools as students of other faiths also study there, and accused the BJP Government of trying to impose the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)’s agenda in schools. It also demanded withdrawal of the order.

The new academic session in the state commenced from Tuesday.

According to an order issued by the School Education Department to all District Education Officers (DEOs) on June 12, the schools will now conduct mandatory activities at three different times during the day, a Government official said.

Under the new guidelines, the morning assembly will include the national anthem, national song, Deep Mantra, Saraswati Vandana, Guru Mantra and readings of biographies of great personalities, he said.

During the mid-day meal, students will collectively recite a food prayer (Bhojan Mantra), while the closing session at the end of the school day will include the state song, Gayatri Mantra and Shanti Mantra, he added.

The initiative is intended to foster patriotism, discipline, moral values and cultural awareness among students while strengthening their connection with Indian traditions and national ideals, he added.

The Government has directed the DEOs to ensure strict implementation of the order. Officials will conduct inspections of schools, and administrative action may be taken against school managements or principals found violating the prescribed guidelines, the official added.

Reacting to the decision, Chhattisgarh Congress communication department chairman Sushil Anand Shukla questioned the need to make religious chants compulsory in educational institutions.