UP school banning national anthem unfortunate: Minister

New Delhi, Aug 9: The government on Tuesday termed the issue of an Uttar Pradesh school management allegedly banning the recital of the national anthem as "very serious" and "unfortunate".

The issue was raised during Zero Hour in Lok Sabha by BJP member Kirit Somaiya, who said ban on recital of the national anthem in a school is a serious matter and sought the government's response.

BJP members from Uttar Pradesh supported the demand.

Responding to the member's demand, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S.S. Ahluwalia said, "The issue raised was very serious and the incident was unfortunate."

He said he will convey the matter to the concerned Minister.

The issue came to light after the principal and seven teachers of MA Convent School in Boghara locality in Allahabad quit in protest against the management diktat against recital of the national anthem.

The manager of the school has been arrested and slapped with a sedition case.

IANS