Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma on Wednesday denied reports that claimed Gayatri Mantra is mandatory to be played in labour rooms of medical centres.
"These are just rumours. I was informed about the issue earlier too. This was just to create a good environment in the labour room and to give relief to mothers delivering a child. This is not mandatory. Some people are relating it with religion and trying to make it an unnecessary issue," Mr Sharma told news agency ANI.
He also said the state's health department will not recommend playing the Gayatri Mantra as an official policy.
"This was not the government's decision. It was cleared before that government will not take any action that hurts someone's religious sentiments," he affirmed.
Reports said that a group of Muslims in the state objected to the playing of Gayatri Mantra in labour rooms. They reportedly claimed that it was against Islam as a Muslim newborn should hear Azaan, not the Gayatri Mantra.
Madhya Pradesh School Principal Stops Students From Chanting Gayatri Mantra, Probe Ordered UK Woman With Autism Gives Birth To Son With The Help Of Her 'Dog Midwife' For 'Gayatri Mantra' Order To Delhi Schools, Civic Body Gets A Notice Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling Off A Waterfall Near Mumbai Amid Huge Row, Karnataka Pauses Bill For Reservation In Private Sector Firms Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Break 64-Year Royal Tradition In Surprise Move Biden Says Could Drop Election Bid If "Medical Condition" Emerged Russia Says It's Ready To Work With Any US Leader 3 People Die After Drowning In Lake In Telangana: Cops Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.