Overview
- An assistant teacher was suspended on Wednesday after objecting to the singing of Vande Mataram during the morning assembly at a government school in Shahpur Qutub, Aligarh.
- District Basic Education Officer Rakesh Kumar Singh said the teacher refused to participate and tried to stop others, saying the song conflicted with his religion, following state instructions to include it after assemblies.
- An inquiry by education officials recorded statements from the principal and several teachers alleging misbehaviour, with some claiming he threatened to call community members if chanting continued.
- In his response, Shamsul Hasan denied misconduct, acknowledged opposing the practice, and said he had urged the school to consult families who might have reservations.
- District authorities reiterated participation guidelines for the National Anthem and Vande Mataram in assemblies, and the education department is considering an FIR, according to the Indian Express.