Karnataka school's Bible directive stirs controversy

Karnataka's education system has been hit by another religious controversy after a school in Bengaluru asked parents for an undertaking that they would not object to their children carrying Bible to the classroom.

Clarence School as part of class 11 admission application requires parents to sign a declaration that says their child will attend all classes including Morning Assembly Scripture Class and Clubs for his or her own moral and spiritual welfare and will not object to carrying the Bible and Hymn Book.

The directive has irked certain Hindu-right wing groups. The Hindu Janajagruti Samithi has called it a violation of the Karnataka Education Act and said the school is forcing non-Christian students to read the Bible.

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The Clarence School in its defence has said it provides Bible-based education.

The Karnataka state govt had recently announced that it plans to introduce Bhagavad Gita as part of the syllabus from the next academic year.