Divisive Track [constitutional impropriety of state schools imparting religious education]

The Times of India

Divisive track

Jul 20, 2011, 12.00am IST


Last heard, India had a secular constitution that protected freedom of expression. That slipped the notice of Vishwanath Hegde Kageri, Karnataka's school education minister, when he declared that those opposed to the teaching of the Gita in schools should quit India. Whether Kageri or the state BJP likes it or not, there is a constitutional issue around religious preaching by state schools. Article 28(1) of the Constitution forbids religious instruction of any kind in educational institutions wholly funded by the state. That's why the matter is before the courts now, but Kageri is trying to browbeat opponents by resorting to inflammatory and communally polarising rhetoric. Quite apart from the constitutional impropriety of state schools imparting religious education, anyone has the right to oppose the introduction of any school text at any time, without being asked to leave the country. Can politicians never get beyond their old divisive habits, not even in communally sensitive times such as these?

Kageri's approach also sums up another common ailment of Indian education ministers. They still do not see their job as expanding the boundaries of education and promoting useful skills that will empower the young, but as prescribing what should be taught, using schools and colleges to disburse patronage, policing the boundaries of Indian culture, and turning education into a tool of political propaganda. That's why the system continues to churn out vast numbers of unemployable graduates. Education must be freed from political straitjackets if we are to cultivate a skilled workforce and realise our demographic dividend. And the change must come from the top. For starters, Kageri can be asked to quit his ministry.