Parliament Question: Disruption of Academic Activities due to Religious Activities

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO- 117 ANSWERED ON –27/07/2026 DISRUPTION OF ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES DUE TO RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES †*117. Shri Rajkumar Roat: Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a) the details of the number of instances during the last five years in which academic activities were disrupted or holidays were declared in Government schools, hostels and colleges during academic hours due to religious activities in the country, State-wise and district-wise in respect of Rajasthan, along with the details of the rules and regulations governing such events; (b) the number of Government and private educational institutions in Rajasthan where students were reportedly pressurised to participate in religious activities or were subjected to disciplinary actions for not participating in these activities along with the total number of complaints received in this regard and the details of the action taken thereon; (c) whether the Government proposes to formulate clear guidelines and mandate strict actions to ensure the secular nature of Government educational institutions, protect the freedom of students and prevent the recurrence of such incident in the future; and (e) if so, the proposed timeline for its implementation and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF EDUCATION (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI) (a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. *****STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (E) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 117 ANSWERED ON 27.07.2026 ASKED BY SHRI RAJKUMAR ROAT HON’BLE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT REGARDING DISRUPTION OF ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES DUE TO RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES (a) & (b): Education is a subject in the concurrent list of the Constitution and majority of the schools and teachers in the country are under the administrative control of the State Governments and UT Administrations. The administration and management of Government schools, including declaration of holidays, conduct of school activities, maintenance of discipline and handling of complaints relating to educational institutions, fall under the functional domain of the State/UT Government. As reported by the State of Rajasthan, all the academic activities and holidays in residential schools/hostels are conducted according to “Shivira” calendar published by Directorate of Education Bikaner". (c) to (e): The National Education Policy 2020, envisions an education system rooted in Indian ethos that contributes directly to transforming India, that is Bharat, sustainably into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society, by providing high-quality education to all, and thereby making India a global knowledge superpower. The Policy envisages that the curriculum and pedagogy of our institutions must develop among the students a deep sense of respect towards the Fundamental Duties and Constitutional values, bonding with one’s country, and a conscious awareness of one’s roles and responsibilities in a changing world. The vision of NEP is to instil among the learners a deep-rooted pride in being Indian, not only in thought, but also in spirit, intellect, and deeds, as well as to develop knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions that support responsible commitment to human rights, sustainable development and living, and global well-being, thereby reflecting a truly global citizen. There are no specific provisions regarding the conduct of religious activities in schools under the centrally sponsored schemes of the Department. Such matters fall within the jurisdiction of the appropriate State/UT Government and the management of the concerned school, subject to the applicable laws and regulations. ***