Madhya Pradesh may introduce Quran, Bible teaching in school textbooks

Bhopal: After successfully introducing teaching of Bhagavad Gita in the school textbooks, Madhya Pradesh government is planning to introduce teachings of Quran, Bible and Guru Granth Sahib in the school curriculum from academic session 2016-2017.

According to a report published in Deccan Herald, Joshi said that education is not complete without the knowledge of other religions.

“All religions preach tolerance, peace and harmony. There is nothing wrong in introducing teachings of other religions in the school curriculum. The education department has made a proposal in this regard.

However, a final decision whether to introduced in the school’s curriculum will be taken by the members of the curriculum committee,” state school education minister Deepak Joshi told Deccan Herald over telephone.

The BJP soon after coming to power in the state had made singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ in all government and local body offices obligatory.

And in 2007, when Surya Namaskar (sun salutation) mantra chants and Pranayam (yoga exercise) was made mandatory, the voice of saffronisation in education got louder which was opposed by Muslim clerics and had knocked the door of court after which the exercise made voluntary.

The saffron party and the school department relationship turn ugly when state government decided to introduce teachings of Gita in 2010-2011 academic sessions.
Critics worry about the latest move might invite trouble.