Since the Bhagavad Gita is a religious literature, the group contended, it cannot be taught in state-funded schools since it goes against the secularism concept.
The Uttarakhand Government SC/ST Teachers' Association has written to the Director of School Education to protest the inclusion of Bhagavad Gita verses in the morning assembly prayer and to request that the directorate revoke the order.
According to the association's letter, the Constitution prohibits government-funded educational institutions from offering religion teaching, and the Bhagavad Gita is a religious text.
In the letter, Teachers' Association President Sanjay Kumar Tamta said:
“Article 28(1) of the Indian Constitution clearly states that no religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly or partially funded by the state. This provision upholds the secular character of the Constitution and ensures equal respect for all religions.”
Referring to the government directive mandating the teaching of Gita verses in schools, the association’s letter further said: “The directive to include Gita verses in morning assembly prayers violates constitutional provisions. It undermines the secular foundation of government schools, which cater to students from diverse religious, caste, and community backgrounds. Imposing verses from a single religious text could lead to discomfort, exclusion, and discrimination among students from other faiths. It also contradicts the principles of social harmony and inclusive education.”