Recite preamble every day, education department tells schools

MUMBAI: The state education department has asked its officials to ensure that all schools read the preamble to the Constitution every morning during the school assembly

MUMBAI: The state education department has asked its officials to ensure that all schools read the preamble to the Constitution every morning during the school assembly and also display its content prominently on campus.

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Schools recently received a letter issued by the directorate of secondary education on September 22 stating that all schools in Maharashtra must begin their day by reading the preamble: “We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic…” The objective is to get students familiarised with the Constitution, stated the letter.

JS Saharia, the then additional chief secretary, had issued similar instructions to schools in 2013, but many didn’t follow it. “This is a reminder for schools to follow these instructions received by the government of India,” said NK Jarag, director, MSCERT, adding, “In case, schools aren’t following them, they should do so from now on.”

In Mumbai, only government-aided schools have been reading the preamble daily. “Since we are an aided school, we have been following this practice for the past few years, but there was no compulsion. Now, it looks like the department wants this to be implemented in all schools,” said Anil Bornare, senior teacher, Swami Muktananda High School, Chembur.

Most private, unaided schools students only recite the pledge, the national anthem or the Vande Mataram, said principals. “We weren’t told to read out the preamble during the prayers,” said Roha Bhat, chairperson of Children’s Academy Schools in Kandivli and Malad.

Some schools have said that reading the preamble will lengthen the morning assembly’s duration. Chandrakanta Pathak, principal, HVB Global Academy, Marine Lines, however, said, “We will recite the preamble, instead of the pledge during the morning assembly. Reading out the preamble will help children learn about our Constitution.”