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Karnataka bans obscene songs and reveals strict new school event rules

A bold crackdown on vulgar performances reshapes school culture in Karnataka. Will stricter rules protect students—or stifle creativity?

The image shows an old black and white photo of a group of people sitting around a table playing...
The image shows an old black and white photo of a group of people sitting around a table playing musical instruments. There are papers and other objects on the table, and a few people standing in the background. At the bottom of the image, there is some text which reads "Indian School of Music".

Bengaluru, Apr 28:

Karnataka bans obscene songs and reveals strict new school event rules

The Karnataka School Education Department has issued a circular strictly prohibiting children from being made to dance to obscene songs in educational and cultural programmes.

It stated that such dances would negatively impact students' mental health and moral values. It will create indiscipline and harm the sanctity of education.

"All the Deputy Directors (Administration) of the state's School Education Department have been asked to take strict measures to prevent children or students from dancing to obscene songs in all government, aided and unaided schools in the state," the office of the commissioner of the School Education Department said in a recent circular.

"If it is found that children are being made to dance to obscene songs, appropriate action will be taken against the headmaster or management of such school," it added.

The department also listed certain measures in this regard, which include: strictly prohibiting children from being made to dance to obscene songs during educational and cultural programmes; selecting songs that are inspiring, positive, instilling national pride in children and reflecting the greatness, dignity, values, culture, and morality of the state.

Stating that the school headmaster and management are responsible for selecting songs and dances for cultural programmes, it said, they should also ensure that students wear decent clothes in dance or cultural programmes.

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