Sindh plans religious textbooks for Hindu students in govt schools

KARACHI: The Sindh Education and Literacy Department has decided to introduce religious textbooks for Hindu students studying in government schools across the province, in a move aimed at promoting inclusive education.

According to an official letter sent to the Sindh Textbook Board (STBB), three religious books will be distributed to students of Grades III to V for the academic year 2026–27.

The initiative follows recommendations made during a meeting of the Sindh Curriculum Council held on April 20.

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Chief Executive Advisor Dr Fauzia Khan stated that the publication cost for the current academic year will be borne by Prem Sagar Sanstha Karachi, while distribution will be managed by the Sindh Textbook Board. She also urged the board to allocate funds for future publication of these textbooks.

The move follows a similar step taken in 2023 by the National Curriculum Council, which issued no-objection certificates for religious textbooks for minority students, including Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Baha’i, Zoroastrian, Kalasha and Buddhist communities in federally administered institutions.

Meanwhile, a study by the Centre for Social Justice has highlighted concerns over textbook content, noting that limited inclusion of minority perspectives may contribute to social intolerance, and calling for more inclusive educational material across the country.