‘Jai Hind’ to replace ‘Present’ in MP schools

After compulsory flag hoisting introduced in Madhya Pradesh schools in January, the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government will make Jai Hind mandatory for all students from November 1 to mark attendance.

Satna will be the first district where this practice will be introduced from October 1 — a month before implementing the same in all the schools across the state.

School education minister Vijay Shah said the decision was taken to instill a sense of patriotism among students.

“Jai Hind is acceptable to students of all religions so I have decided to introduce it. We just want to keep our culture alive which our young generation is forgetting,” said Shah.

A section of educationists and the Opposition Congress feel the government should focus more on improving the quality of education and results than introducing Jai Hind.

Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress president Kunal Chaudhary said, “We don’t have any problem with chanting Jai Hind but school education department’s main job is to provide quality education for better future of students and they have failed in their task.”

“Instead of concentrating on what students should wear, chant and which culture they should follow, the government should improve the condition of schools and education system,” Chaudhary said.

Madhya Pradesh Teachers’ Association general secretary Ashutosh Pandey said, “The government is instilling a feeling of patriotism forcibly. If they really want that students feel proud on our country, they should provide them best education and facilities. The term (Jai Hind) is not enough to make students patriotic.”