Team Clarion
JAIPUR – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Rajasthan is facing criticism for its actions against Muslim teachers, further fueling religious tensions in the state’s educational institutions.
Amidst allegations of religious conversion and links to banned organizations, Education Minister Madan Dilawar has suspended two Muslim teachers and initiated disciplinary action against another in Kota district. The move comes in the wake of claims made by a local Hindu organization, Sarva Hindu Samaj, alleging coercion of students, forced religious rituals, and association with banned groups like the Popular Front of India (PFI).
The memorandum submitted by Sarva Hindu Samaj also claimed a case of alleged abduction involving a Hindu girl, pointing to administrative lapses in maintaining school records and ensuring student safety.
In response, Chief District Education Officer issued orders to suspend teachers Firoz Khan and Mirza Mujahid, while disciplinary proceedings were initiated against teacher Shabana. Education Minister Dilawar emphasized his commitment to preventing government schools from becoming centers of religious conversion and vowed to dismiss teachers found guilty after further investigation.
However, the BJP government’s actions have sparked controversy, with concerns raised over the use of terms like “Love Jihad” in official orders, a term often associated with Hindutva extremist groups. Teachers’ representative bodies have criticized the government’s approach, questioning the lack of departmental inquiry and procedural irregularities in the suspension orders.
Rajasthan Urdu Teachers Association president Amin Kayamkhani denounced the arbitrary suspension, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations before punitive measures are taken. He highlighted the sensitivity of the allegations and the importance of following established service rules in handling such matters.
Similarly, Mohammad Nazimuddin, president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind-Rajasthan, condemned the government’s actions as part of a broader agenda to target Muslims for political gains. He called for reinstatement of the teachers and demanded impartial investigations into the allegations.
As the controversy escalates, concerns mount over the potential ramifications of the government’s divisive actions on communal harmony and the integrity of the education system in Rajasthan.
