BJP’s Haryana CM wants Bhagavad Gita to be taught up to Class VIII

Chandigarh: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday suggested to the officials of the education department that the Bhagavad Gita be made compulsory for students up to Class VIII in govt schools across the state.
While chairing the review meeting of the education department, Saini directed the officials to maintain the student-teacher ratio as per the National Education Policy, ensuring quality education at all schools across the state. To ensure that no school faces shortage of teachers, a comprehensive action plan is currently being developed to address the issue, he said.
He emphasised that there is no actual shortage of teachers in Haryana, but rather, the allocation of teachers should be adjusted according to the number of students. He further stressed that all necessary arrangements should be completed before the start of the new academic session.
The CM emphasised the need of building public confidence in govt schools to encourage more children to enrol and receive education there. He reiterated the govt's commitment to providing quality education to every child.
In line with the National Education Policy, he said, Bhagavad Gita should be included in the curriculum up to Class VIII to instil moral values among students.
To ensure holistic development of students, the CM stressed the importance of making sports and cleanliness compulsory in schools. Additionally, he called for enhancing the skills of teachers so they can effectively adopt new teaching methods. He also directed that basic facilities such as drinking water, toilets, and overall cleanliness be maintained in schools and colleges.
Saini advocated increasing the number of Model Sanskriti Schools at the block level, which are affiliated with the CBSE Board. He further directed that all pending development works be expedited. He emphasised that a specific time limit should be set for each task, and work must be completed within that time frame. He warned that unnecessary delays would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The CM said that every child attending school should be monitored to track their future educational path, including which institution they enrol in after completing Class XII. The information of student studying outside Haryana should be recorded to ensure that no child in the state is deprived of their fundamental right to education.
While reviewing the higher education department, the CM directed officials to submit a report on the facilities, including infrastructure, in every college, so that any deficiencies can be addressed promptly. He also emphasised the need to develop a framework for arranging competitive exam preparation through smart classrooms in colleges, ensuring that children from rural areas have access to better resources for their exam preparations.
Education minister Mahipal Dhanda directed officers to ensure that both short-term and long-term goals for the full implementation of the NEP are completed within the stipulated time period. He also highlighted the importance of making special efforts to teach foreign languages in schools, enabling students to become proficient in foreign languages alongside their mother tongue, enhancing their chances of securing employment opportunities at the global level.
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