Tapi: Religious conversion has become a major concern in the tribal-dominated Tapi district, with now reports and complaints about students, and in some instances, teachers, promoting a specific religion in schools. These developments have prompted the district administration to take steps to curb such activities.

Acting on reported incidents and memorandums from social groups, District Collector Vipin Garg has directed the District Education Officer (DEO) and District Primary Education Officer (DPEO) to take action if any illegal religious activities are found being carried out in schools.

The directive, dated April 16, instructs school authorities to ensure that students are not involved in religious practices such as reciting prayers, singing hymns, or reading religious texts intended to promote a specific faith. Officials have also been told to prevent both teachers and students from engaging in or encouraging religious promotion, either directly or indirectly, within school premises or nearby areas.

Additionally, a strict check has been ordered to prevent the construction of unauthorized religious structures on school campuses and to remove any religious symbols, images, or replicas from classrooms. DeshGujarat