The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) Chhattisgarh has strongly objected to the state government’s reported order mandating specific religious prayers in government schools, calling it a direct challenge to India’s constitutional and secular framework.
In a statement issued by its Education Department, SIO Chhattisgarh said the move “communalises classrooms” and undermines the core purpose of education. The organisation argued that schools should remain spaces for learning, critical thinking and personal growth, rather than becoming centres for compulsory religious practices.
SIO said the order violates Article 28 of the Constitution, which prohibits religious instruction in educational institutions wholly funded by the state. It also pointed to Article 25, which guarantees freedom of conscience and makes faith a matter of personal choice rather than compulsion.
“This decision harms the spirit of education and violates the Constitution of India,” the statement said.
The student body also cited Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law, saying such a directive could create discomfort and exclusion among students from different religious and social backgrounds.
“Schools are meant for learning, critical thinking, and growth. Introducing compulsory religious practices distracts from education and creates fear and discomfort among students from different backgrounds,” SIO said.
The organisation has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the order and urged the Chhattisgarh government to preserve the secular and inclusive nature of government schools.
SIO further said that education should unite students rather than divide them on religious lines. “Faith must always remain voluntary, not forced,” the statement added.
