Assam Government Directs Schools to Allow Religious Symbols

In a significant move, the Assam government has issued a directive to all schools in the state, instructing them to permit students to wear religious symbols, such as rakhis and tilaks, particularly during festivals. This order, issued on October 1 by Aditi Barman, Deputy Secretary of the Department of School Education, emphasizes the protection of students’ cultural and religious rights within the educational environment.

The directive comes in response to an advisory from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), dated August 8, 2024, which stated that schools must respect and allow students to express their religious and cultural identities. The NCPCR’s advisory highlighted concerns that certain schools were prohibiting students from wearing cultural and religious symbols, potentially subjecting them to discrimination or corporal punishment.

The Assam government’s letter underscored the importance of ensuring that schools do not practice discriminatory measures against students expressing their religious beliefs. It mandated that school authorities across the state issue necessary instructions to their staff to follow these guidelines, ensuring that children are not deprived of their cultural identity.

The issue has sparked widespread discussion, particularly within the context of the growing political and cultural sensitivities in Assam. While some have welcomed the move as a step toward safeguarding students’ rights, others express concerns over the potential communal implications of the directive.

Speaking to The Daily Guardian, Hindutva Leader and President of Kutumba Surakshya Parishad Satya Ranjan Borah stated that exclusive religious enforcement will not be accepted. “India being a democratic and secular country there should not be any kinds exclusive religious practices in the public educational institutions. Educational institutions are the man making industries. They should teach the pupils how to be a good human enjoying everyone’s dignity of life and fundamental rights for lives. Christian Missionary ruled schools are violating the core values of Constitution of India and parallelly they are defying the Child Rights and Constitutional Duties. So, it’s a good initiative of Govt of Assam under the supervision of NCPCR,” added Borah.

Borah further stated that Christian Missionary ruled schools should abide by the new education policy and provide Knowledge of India as prescribed in the NEP. “We will keep sincere eyes on their activities now onwards,” stated Borah.