Separate Timings for Muslim Students in Ramadan: VHP Protests Against Gujarat Order
Vadodara, 3 March – (www.deccanlive.com): A controversy has erupted in Vadodara, Gujarat, over an order related to Ramadan. The Vadodara Primary Education Committee has reportedly announced separate school timings for Muslim children during Ramadan, leading to strong opposition from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
VHP activists protested and demanded the withdrawal of the order. They stated that if the decision is not reversed, Hindu students should also receive similar relaxations during Shravan and Navratri.
Gujarat VHP spokesperson, Hitendra Rajput, expressed his opposition on Facebook, stating that while Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s government is working towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Vadodara Education Committee has issued a circular promoting religious favoritism in the education system.
He further warned the government that opposing religious appeasement has been a core strength of their party, and such policies should not be encouraged.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has strongly opposed the Vadodara Education Committee’s order allowing separate school timings for Muslim students during Ramadan.
On its official X (Twitter) handle, VHP wrote:
“Please verify the authenticity of this circular and cancel it immediately. Action must be taken against those responsible. Remember, BJP gained strong public support due to its opposition to appeasement. This is Gujarat, not Pakistan or Bangladesh.”
The Vadodara Primary Education Committee’s notification stated:
- Since Ramadan is starting, schools with a higher number of Muslim students will have modified timings.
- The new timings will be effective from March 1, 2025, throughout Ramadan.
Revised School Timings for Ramadan
- Morning Shift: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Lunch Break: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
- Afternoon Shift: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
VHP continues to demand the cancellation of this religion-based adjustment in school hours.
