Mangaluru: A viral message circulating on social media platforms in Kannada language praises Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his alleged move against 'Article 30A' in the Indian Constitution. The message claims Modi was ready to eliminate Article 30A from the Constitution.

The message claims that India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, betrayed Hindus by enacting this article, restricting the preaching of Hinduism and Hindu culture in public schools and colleges. It also states that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel opposed this article, and after his pressure, Nehru withdrew it, but later reinstated it after Patel's demise.

The message further alleges that Article 30A confiscates donations to Hindu temples for the government's use, while donations to mosques and churches benefit Muslim and Christian communities respectively. Additionally, it asserts that Article 30 allows teaching the Quran in madrassas but prevents the teaching of the Gita in schools.

Our fact-check reveals that the viral claim is false. There is no Article 30A in the Indian Constitution. Article 30 indeed exists, granting rights to educational institutions established and operated by minorities. It empowers religious or linguistic minorities to establish and manage educational institutions of their choice. This article has three subsections:

1. Right to Establish Institutions: All minorities, whether religious or linguistic, have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

2. Protection of Minority Rights: If any law requires the compulsory acquisition of property owned by a minority educational institution, the state must ensure that it doesn't violate minority rights.

3. Non-Discrimination in Financial Assistance: The state cannot discriminate in providing financial aid to educational institutions run by minorities.

Article 30 enables minority communities to provide education in their own language. For instance, Muslims can use Urdu, and Christians can use English as mediums of instruction.

Furthermore, Article 28 deals with religious instruction or worship in educational institutions. Clause 1 prohibits religious instruction in state-funded institutions. However, clause 2 allows religious education in institutions administered by the state but established under specific trusts mandating religious instruction.

Conclusion:

In summary, there is no Article 30A in the Indian Constitution. Article 30 guarantees minority rights, allowing them to establish and manage educational institutions, and does not impose any restrictions on teaching religious texts. The viral claims regarding restrictions on Hinduism, unequal treatment of donations, and teaching practices are unfounded.

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Washington (PTI): US President-elect Donald Trump has said that he will impose a 25 per cent tariff on every product coming from Canada and Mexico as one of his first actions after assuming office on January 20.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, he said the tariff would remain in place till the time borders with Mexico and Canada are closed to prevent illegal immigration into the US.

"As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before. Right now, a Caravan coming from Mexico, composed of thousands of people, seems to be unstoppable in its quest to come through our currently Open Border,” Trump said.

"On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders.

"This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem," he said.

"We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price," Trump said.