Teacher Suspended in Aligarh Over National Song Dispute
An assistant teacher at a government primary school in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh district has been suspended following a contentious dispute over the singing of the national song, Vande Mataram. The incident occurred at Shahpur Qutub Primary School and led to the suspension of teacher Shamshul Hasan on Wednesday. The action was initiated by the District Basic Education Officer, Rakesh Kumar Singh, based on the testimony of the head teacher and several other colleagues.
The Incident and Conflicting Accounts
According to officials from the UP Education Department, the suspension and a subsequent inquiry were launched after five teachers at the school provided statements against Hasan. They alleged that he not only refused to sing Vande Mataram after the morning assembly but also actively objected to other teachers and students singing it. The teachers claimed that Hasan argued that the practice was against his religion and even threatened to call members of his community if the chanting did not stop.
The situation reportedly escalated when one teacher encouraged students to shout "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai," leading to a heated argument with Hasan. He is said to have pointed out that Muslim students study at the school and such chants should not be forced.
However, in his recorded statement, Shamshul Hasan presented a different version of events. He admitted to politely objecting to the singing of Vande Mataram on the grounds that it conflicts with his religious beliefs. He claimed that the argument turned heated and abusive only after one of his colleagues began verbally abusing him.
Government Directive and Potential FIR
This incident comes shortly after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that singing Vande Mataram would be made compulsory in schools to mark the 150th anniversary of the national song. The CM had previously called any opposition to the song "unjustified."
While confirming the suspension, District Basic Education Officer Rakesh Kumar Singh clarified the official stance. "There are directions by the government to ensure singing of Vande Mataram after morning assembly in every school to mark its 150th year. We have passed on the instructions to every school, which are following them. However, none is compelled to sing it," Singh told The Indian Express. He emphasized that Hasan was suspended for objecting to others singing the song, not merely for his personal refusal.
Officials stated that Hasan has admitted to opposing the national song during the inquiry. Based on the findings, the Education Department is now considering filing a formal FIR (First Information Report) against him, signaling a potential escalation of the legal consequences.
