‘Impart lessons on tolerance in schools’

The BJP-led government’s latest move to incorporate lessons on “tolerance and democratic society” in school textbooks is likely to stir a hornets’ nest in the state. The government has issued several instructions to the School Education Department (SED) as part of its initiative to “win trust and create peaceful environment” among the minority communities. Imparting lessons on tolerance and democracy are part of them. Parties like Samajwadi Party are already up in arms against the government over the issue, terming the move as an attempt to label Muslims.

The government resolution issue has recently asked the SED to implement special measures, which include adding in textbooks lessons enabling students to learn the “true teachings” of all religions and inculcate values of democracy and tolerance.

The policy also emphasises on promotion of Marathi language among the minority students. “The Urdu-medium students lag behind in Marathi language, which leads to an inferiority complex among them. To prevent this, Marathi needs to be established in Urdu-medium schools. Besides, a special programme should also be implemented to encourage Urdu-medium students to learn Marathi,” cites the policy.

According to the state data, about 70 per cent minorities, especially Muslims, live in urban areas, mostly slums. The state government has directed the officials of the urban development department to improve these settlements.

However, the Samajwadi Party has strongly protested the state government’s plans advocating all-religion teachings for minority students. SP leader Abu Asim Azmi said, “Why only minority students Why is it not being implemented for students from majority communities It is a matter of personal choice. In case somebody is interested to learn the language, it’s fine. But education on all religions should not be made mandatory. Instead the state government should think of providing modern education to students.”