Overview
- The School Education Department issued a directive on June 12 and the measures took effect when the new academic year began on Tuesday, June 16.
- The order requires specific recitals at set times: national anthem and Saraswati Vandana in morning assembly, a Bhojan Mantra before mid-day meals, and the Gayatri Mantra and Shanti Mantra at dismissal.
- The state says the policy aims to promote patriotism, discipline, moral values and awareness of Indian culture among students.
- District Education Officers have been told to carry out inspections and may recommend administrative action against schools or principals that do not follow the guidelines.
- Opposition Congress leaders call the move an imposition of an RSS-aligned agenda, argue it clashes with constitutional secularism, and demand withdrawal or opt-out rights for students and staff.