Gujarat textbooks teaching lessons on fascism: Singh

Ahmedabad, Dec 12 (UNI) Textbooks in Gujarat do not teach lessons in democracy but highlight fascism, according to the Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh.

''How can a mass murderer who killed millions of people be made an icon,'' he asked in an apparent reference to lessons on Hitler in the textbooks.

Addressing mediapersons here today, Mr Singh, however, noted that the Centre cannot interfere in such matters, but can only advise the State government. The Gujarat government has been advised accordingly, he said, while urging the government, ''Keep education out of politics.'' To a question on the benefits of reservation to people from well-to-do families, Mr Singh agreed the benefit should stop, but pointed out that the matter was pending with the Supreme Court.

Referring to the Gujarat Assembly elections, Mr Singh said the whole country is watching these elections to see ''if the people of Gujarat are mature enough to correct the aberrations that have crept into the state polity''. This is a big challenge that the people were facing, Mr Singh said.

Elections are a democratic process and all elected governments have to pass through it. This is the time when political parties tell people what they have done for them. Even the opposition has to give the account of its performance. People become the judge and this is the majesty of the democratic poll process, he added.

''One thing is clear. The duty of the State Government is to ensure peace and protect the lives and properties of its citizens. It should see that the fruits of growth reach to all in the form of basic necessities like bijli, pani,'' Mr Singh said.

''But the signs of growth are not visible in Gujarat. The people have to take a tough decision,'' he added.

UNI