Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Aug 10: The Bajrang Dal has raised concerns over an alleged directive by a school in Cuncolim, Goa, restricting students from wearing Raksha Bandhan bands or religious threads beyond a certain period.

Bajrang Dal leader Viraj Desai claimed that the Headmistress of the school reportedly told students not to wear sacred threads or Rakhi bands after a few days of the festival. He visited the school to seek clarification, stating that while the headmistress allowed bands for up to a week, the broader issue of whether religious threads are banned in schools remains unclear.

“I want to know if there is any official restriction on students wearing religious threads to school,” Desai said, urging Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also oversees the education department, to issue a public clarification.

Meanwhile, a preliminary inquiry by Cuncolim police revealed that one student was seen wearing sacred threads, prompting the school to call the parents for questioning.

Cuncolim Police Inspector Diego Gracias confirmed that an inquiry is underway following a complaint lodged by Desai and others. A Police Sub-Inspector has been assigned to investigate the matter.

The incident has sparked a debate over religious expression in educational institutions, with calls for the state government to clearly define the policy regarding cultural or religious symbols worn by students.