Christians and tribal groups in Chhattisgarh protest a directive mandating Hindu prayers in schools, citing violations of rights and secular values.
Newsroom (25/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) Christians and tribal communities in India’s central state of Chhattisgarh have raised strong objections to a recent government directive requiring Hindu religious practices in schools, urging authorities to revoke the measure over concerns it violates minority rights and the country’s secular principles.
The groups have formally appealed to Governor Ramen Deka, the constitutional head of the state, to intervene and cancel the directive. The move, reportedly backed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has drawn criticism for its implications on religious freedom in educational institutions.
The controversy stems from a circular issued on June 12 by the state’s education department. The document instructs all government-registered schools to incorporate daily rituals that include chanting prayers honoring Hindu deities and lighting a sacred lamp—an important element in Hindu worship. Schools have been asked to implement the directive during the ongoing academic session.
Minority leaders argue that the order effectively imposes religious practices on students and staff belonging to different faith traditions. Christopher Paul, president of the Christian Welfare Society, described the directive as a direct infringement on constitutional protections.
“It is an open violation of the rights of minorities who are free to practice their religion,” Paul said, underscoring concerns that Christian students and teachers would be compelled to participate in rituals contrary to their beliefs.
Paul confirmed that his organization has already written to the education department requesting exemptions for Christians but has yet to receive a response. He emphasized that such accommodations are essential if the directive remains in force, adding, “We hope the government will understand our difficulty in reciting prayers of other religions.”
Concerns are not limited to Christian groups. Pastor Simon Digbal Tandi, coordinator of the Progressive Christian Alliance, warned that the directive runs counter to India’s long-standing secular framework.
“Schools are supposed to be secular institutions and should not promote a particular religion,” Tandi said. He indicated that the Christian community is prepared to take legal action if necessary. “We are already in discussions with legal experts to challenge the order, if required, to protect our right to religious freedom,” he added.
While reactions from school administrations have been cautious, uncertainty remains about implementation. A Catholic school principal, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that no official communication had yet been received directly by their institution. “We will take a call when we get an official communication from the department,” the principal said, suggesting that schools are awaiting clearer instructions before acting.
The opposition to the directive has also been strongly echoed by Adivasi, or tribal, communities in the region, who maintain distinct cultural and spiritual traditions. Tribal leaders argue that the order disregards their identity and imposes an external religious framework on their children.
“Adivasis are not Hindus, and they cannot be forced into Hindu religious traditions through schools,” said Manish Kunjam, a tribal leader and former legislator. He accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent organization of the BJP, of attempting to extend Hindu practices into tribal communities through the education system.
Kunjam called for the directive to be withdrawn immediately, framing the issue as one of cultural preservation as well as religious freedom.
Student groups have also mobilized in response. The Adivasi Yuva Chatra Sangathan, a tribal students’ organization, submitted a letter to the governor on June 19 demanding that the circular be scrapped. The group argued that the requirements conflict with their traditions and undermine their cultural heritage.
The growing resistance highlights a broader debate over the role of religion in public education in India. Critics argue that policies perceived as promoting a single religious identity risk alienating minority communities and eroding the constitutional principle of secularism.
As pressure mounts from multiple fronts, the state government has yet to publicly respond to the demands for withdrawal or exemptions. With legal challenges under consideration and community tensions rising, the directive is likely to face increasing scrutiny in the days ahead.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News
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