Circular in Faridabad schools mentioned action against ‘love jihad’

Education department withdraws the circular after political backlash !

Faridabad (Haryana) – The District Education Officer (DEO) Anshu Singla issued a circular on 29th October to all schools in Faridabad, stating that the department had received complaints about some students skipping classes, roaming in parks, indulging in obscene acts, engaging in activities like ‘love jihad’, and disturbing public order. The circular instructed schools to monitor students’ conduct outside classrooms and take steps against such behaviour, including measures against ‘love jihad’. Following criticism, the education department withdrew the circular. It was reportedly issued after a complaint had been registered with the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Instructions to form parents’ WhatsApp groups

Schools were also directed to create parents’ WhatsApp groups to share attendance updates about their children. Authorities warned that if such complaints recurred, schools could face action.

Complaint registered on CM’s portal

The circular was issued in response to a complaint submitted on the ‘CM Window’ portal, which alleged that some students were spending school hours in malls and parks. Officials later clarified that the circular was a general directive addressing that complaint, but it was withdrawn once controversy arose.

Principals react

A school principal said that schools were already striving to ensure discipline and safety, but using terms like ‘love jihad’ in official communication was unnecessary and diverted focus from educational priorities.

Complaint must be investigated! – BJP

BJP State Media Head Arvind Saini said that whenever such complaints arise, the government conducts an inquiry. Action would be taken based on the investigation’s findings. However, he declined to comment on the mention of ‘love jihad’ in the circular.

Education department should focus on quality, not politics! – Congress

Congress MLA Aftab Ahmed called the circular “irresponsible and divisive”, urging that the department should concentrate on improving educational standards rather than pushing political agendas. He added that officials must avoid using communal or provocative language and that action should be taken against the officer responsible.

Decision after discussions – Chief Minister’s Office

Praveen Atrey, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister, stated that guiding the youth’s energy in a positive direction is a shared responsibility of schools, parents, and the education department. A decision on further action will be taken after discussions between these stakeholders. He, too, refrained from commenting on the use of the term ‘love jihad’ in the circular.

Editorial Perspective

While the inclusion of the term ‘love jihad’ in an official school circular reflects awareness of a growing social concern, withdrawing it under political pressure shows a lack of resolve. When such issues genuinely exist, retreating from preventive measures merely to appease opponents is not what Hindus expect from a BJP-led government.