RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, July 6: The controversy, which started due to a change of prayer in a government-run school in a Muslim-dominated village in Garhwa, came to an end after Deputy Commissioner Ramesh Gholap ensured the resumption of old prayer in the school.
Gholap informed this to lagatar24.com saying he ‘ensured resumption of old prayer’ on Tuesday after the matter came into his knowledge. “There is no controversy now,” he said.
A local resident confirmed the development saying that the action was taken after State Education Minister Jagannath Mahto made a strong exception to the change of prayer and threatened dire consequences in case of any interference of external powers in the state run-government schools.
The minister made it clear that whether it is a Muslim-dominated village or a Hindu-dominated village, prayers will be held there as per the guidelines of the department.
Meanwhile, the National Commissioner for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) also took cognizance of the matter. The commission has issued notice to DC Gholap and asked him to report within seven days and also to take proper action.
“The commission is in receipt of a complaint dated 5.07.2022 from Legal Right Observatory against some Islamic radicals in Garhwa District, Jharkhand. As alleged by the complainant (Legal Right Observatory), some Islamic radicals in Garhwa district are trying to impose Sharia and Islamic practices on minor school children. Through the said complaint, it has also been informed to the commission that the said radicals have forcefully changed the school age-old prayer and further are also forcing children to not join hands during prayer creating a state of animosity among school children,” the letter issued on Tuesday night reads.
“In view of the allegations stated in the complaint, it is observed that there is prima facie contravention of Article 25 of the Indian Constitution and provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015. The commission thereby requests your good offices to initiate an inquiry and take necessary action for the care and protection of these children. An action taken report may be submitted to the commission within seven days of receipt of this letter,” the letter added.
When asked about the letter, DC Gholap said he has yet to go through the notice.
