Education Minister Defends Colour Choice, Calls It Symbol of Knowledge

Patna – Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari dismissed the opposition’s saffron‑colour controversy as a distraction from the state’s broader educational reforms. Speaking to reporters after the school‑opening ceremony, Tiwari emphasized that the government is focused on delivering high‑tech learning environments for children of all faiths.

“The colour of a wall does not determine the quality of education. Our priority is to provide smart classrooms, computer labs and well‑stocked libraries to every child,” Tiwari said. He added that saffron, in Indian tradition, represents the goddess Saraswati and the prosperity of knowledge, and therefore carries a cultural, not sectarian, meaning.

Tiwari also reassured that there would be no “charwaha schools” returning, a phrase opponents use to describe outdated government schools. He urged the opposition to support the state’s ambitious plan to open more than 500 modern model schools in the coming years.

The minister’s remarks were met with applause from NDA allies, while opposition members continued to chant slogans demanding a repeal of the saffron directive.