School faces ire of Hindu outfits for making Bible classes must for non-Christian students

BENGALURU: Hindu organisations are up in arms against a Christian school for making Bible classes compulsory for even non-Christian students. The more-than-century old Clarence High School here has come under the scanner of the Hindu outfits for directing all the students, including non-Christians, to compulsorily take part in Bible lessons.

According to details shared by Mohan Gowda, spokesperson of the Hindu Janajagruthi Samithi, the institution forced parents to sign a declaration in which they have to accept that their child attended Bible classes. In the 'Declaration by Parents,' it was said, “You affirm that your child will attend all classes, including morning assembly, scripture class and clubs for his/her own moral and spiritual welfare, and will not object to carrying the Bible and Hymn book during his/her stay at Clarence High School."

Gowda said the policies of the school say only those parents and children who have no objection to the guidelines can apply for admission. “This is nothing but compelling someone to follow someone else’s faith, which violates the Supreme Court ruling and misuse of Article 25 of the Indian Constitution dealing with religious liberty. It also violates the Child Rights Protection Act. Parents have also expressed their anger against the policy,” the Hindu activist claimed.

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On Monday, the Hindu activists visited the school and spoke to the school management regarding this. They said they have apprised the Block Education Officer about it, too. They added that they would meet the Primary and Secondary Education Minister BC Nagesh on the issue. The school authorities were not available for comment.

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