(a) whether the issue of not allowing turban in schools by the French
government has been taken up by the Government;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the reaction of the French Government
thereto; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
(a) whether the issue of not allowing turban in schools by the French
government has been taken up by the Government;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the reaction of the French Government
thereto; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(SMT. PRENEET KAUR)
(a) Yes.
(b) This issue has been raised with the French Government from time to time,
including at the highest level by the Prime Minister in his meeting with the
French President on 30th September 2008. Most recently, it was raised by the
External Affairs Minister during his meeting with the French Foreign Minister
Alain Juppe on 20th October, 2011 in New Delhi.
The French Government has clarified that its domestic law bans display of any
religion-connected symbols in public school and is non-discriminatory as it
applies to people of all religions living in France. Nevertheless, we continue
to raise the matter at various levels at appropriate fora.
(c) Not Applicable.