MANGALURU: The Bible and Quran are religious books, but Bhagvad Gita is not, said minister for primary and secondary education B C Nagesh. After laying the foundation for Government PU College building in Mangaluru on Wednesday, he spoke on the controversy surrounding a Bengaluru minority school teaching the scriptures.
“Those schools registered under Karnataka Education Act (KEA) cannot practice religion or introduce religious books in academics. One can talk about God (eg Jesus). When talking about all religions, there can be discussion on Christianity. But there is no provision to practice and celebrate any religion in any school registered under Karnataka Education Act. The Bible and Quran are religious books,” he said.
When asked about teaching Bhagavad Gita in schools, Nagesh said it's not a religious book. "It stresses on life's values, not religious practices. It cannot be compared with any religious book,'' he claimed.
The government had said it plans to introduce moral science in school curriculum which will include lessons from Gita, Ramayana and Mahabharata. The recent row erupted after Clarence High School reportedly sought an undertaking from parents of class 11 students that they have no objection to the Bible being taught in school. Various right-wing organisations objected to the clause.
'Catechism only for Christian students'
The minister said no catechism class can be held nor can any Holy Book/scripture (Christian, Hindu or Muslim) be allowed on a school campus. Institutions managed by Christians have catechism classes for Christian students and value education or moral science classes for non-Christians. Catechism classes are held based on religious scriptures. School heads said some schools have one or two hours of such classes a week.
"However, catechism is strictly for Christian students," said a teacher.
John Baptist Saldanha, public relations officer of Diocese of Mangalore, said they are yet to take a decision on stopping catechism in schools. "The government's diktat should apply to all schools run by various religions, not just Christians alone," he said.
Nagesh clarified he has not asked that the syllabus of minority institutions be revised. "I have only asked BEOs to find any school that forces the Bible on students. They will look into the matter and take action. The government will not interfere in school administration. No school campus registered under KEA is allowed to carry religious books inside campus. We are checking if there are similar practices in other schools,'' he said.
