Delhi Government Schools to Teach RSS-Inspired "Rashtraniti" Curriculum – AAP Voices Strong Opposition
Controversy erupts as Delhi rolls out new "Rashtraniti Shiksha Yojana" for Classes 1–12, sparking political debate over ideology in education.
In a significant development in Delhi’s education landscape, the Delhi government has announced the introduction of a new curriculum called “Rashtraniti Shiksha Yojana” (National Policy Education Scheme) in all government schools—from Class 1 to Class 12. The program, which includes content inspired by the ideological framework of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), aims to instill “national values, cultural heritage, and civilizational pride” among students.
However, the move has triggered immediate backlash from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which governs Delhi, calling it an attempt to “saffronize” school education and impose a particular political narrative on young minds.
📚 What Is the “Rashtraniti Shiksha Yojana”?
According to official sources, the Rashtraniti Shiksha Yojana is designed to:
- Promote Indian cultural values, national unity, and patriotism
- Introduce age-appropriate lessons on India’s freedom struggle, ancient knowledge systems, ethics, and social responsibility
- Include stories and teachings aligned with RSS’s vision of “Integral Humanism” and Bharatiya sanskriti (Indian culture)
The curriculum will be integrated into existing subjects like Social Science, Moral Science, and Value Education, with special modules for different grade levels. For younger students (Classes 1–5), it will focus on folk tales, national symbols, and moral stories. For older students (Classes 9–12), it will cover topics like national security, constitutional values, and India’s civilizational continuity—often drawing from thinkers associated with the RSS ecosystem.
🟥 AAP Slams the Move: “Education Shouldn’t Be Politicized”
Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly opposed the initiative, despite being in power in the national capital. Senior AAP leaders argue that the program is being imposed by the Central Government through the Directorate of Education (which is under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for Delhi), bypassing the elected Delhi government.
“We believe in inclusive, secular, and scientific education,” said an AAP spokesperson. “This ‘Rashtraniti’ syllabus is not about patriotism—it’s about pushing a particular ideological agenda into classrooms. Children should learn critical thinking, not dogma.”
AAP has accused the BJP-led central government of using Delhi’s school system as a “laboratory for ideological experiments,” and has vowed to challenge the move legally and politically.
🏛️ Who’s Behind the Curriculum?
While the Delhi government’s Education Department is implementing the program, sources confirm that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and RSS-affiliated academic bodies have contributed to the content framework. The initiative aligns with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes “Indian knowledge systems”—though critics argue that the current rollout goes beyond NEP’s inclusive vision.
Notably, similar “Rashtraniti” modules have already been introduced in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh under BJP-led state governments.
🎒 Parents and Educators Divided
Reactions from parents and teachers in Delhi are mixed:
- Supporters say children need stronger grounding in Indian culture and values in an increasingly globalized world.
- Critics worry about historical bias, lack of academic neutrality, and the blurring of lines between education and ideology.
One government school teacher, who requested anonymity, said:
“We’re not against teaching patriotism—but it must be balanced. Our students come from diverse faiths and backgrounds. Education should unite them, not divide them.”
⚖️ What Happens Next?
The AAP-led Delhi government is expected to:
- File a formal objection with the Lieutenant Governor’s office
- Seek intervention from the Delhi High Court if necessary
- Launch its own “Delhi Model” value education program as an alternative
Meanwhile, the first phase of Rashtraniti classes is set to begin in November 2025, with teacher training workshops already underway.
🔍 The Bigger Picture
This controversy reflects a nationwide debate over the role of ideology in school education. As India reimagines its pedagogical future under NEP 2020, the question remains:
Should schools teach “nationalism” as defined by a particular political philosophy—or foster independent, pluralistic, and questioning minds?
For now, Delhi’s classrooms have become the latest battleground in this ideological tussle.
Source: Aaj Tak – Rashtraniti Education Program in Delhi Schools
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