VHP urges Centre to amend Article 29, 30 of Constitution

Mangaluru: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday demanded amendments to Article 29 and 30 of the Constitution to give parity to all educational institutions on par with institutions run by minorities.
“The articles uphold the right of all religious or linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their own choice, and this is anti-Constitutional in that it denies same rights to educational institutions managed by the majority community,” they felt.
Surendra Kumar Jain, all India joint general secretary, VHP, told reporters after the inauguration of the joint meeting of central board of trustees and governing council, that the amendment should be brought about in a manner without disturbing the existing rights of minorities. “We are merely seeking parity to be able to teach our own syllabus and values consistent with the Hindu religion,” he said, adding provisions of the articles should be universally applicable to all.
Move by Telangana and AP decried
Decrying the move by the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh state governments to hike remunerations to religious heads which included moulvis and priests, while leaving out Hindu priests from its ambit, and also their move to take over Hindu temples, Jain said this typifies that they are determined to follow vote-bank politics. “The meeting will pass a resolution against this practice and also formulate an action plan to deal with the same, including launching protests,” Jain warned.
Expressing concern over increasing atrocities against women, Jain said instances of sexual assault are on the rise leading to an insecure atmosphere for women. “This task can’t be left to the government alone,” he said, adding that the society too must plan an important role in ensuring women are not viewed as objects.
Muslims instigated on CAA/NRC
Stating that the National Population Register (NPR) is not new to India, he said it is apparent that Muslims have been instigated on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC). With the Census around the corner, Jain said VHP will take up the issue of categorising tribals in India as people with Other Religious Persuasion (OPR), a regressive and divisive practice that the British started. “Tribals are basically Hindus,” Jain said.
With the diamond jubilee celebration of VHP looming large, Jain said the central board of trustees and governing council, during its deliberations in this coastal city, will also chalk out a concrete plan of action to celebrate the same in a befitting manner. “This is a time for stock taking of what VHP has achieved since its inception, and what plans of service it could draw up to make the landmark year in the history of this Hindu organisation, a memorable one,” he said.