"There is no need for English rhymes when there are Indian rhymes to infuse patriotism in children," state education minister Narrotam Mishra explained, and he has asked government primary schools from now on to teach Indian rhymes and tales from the life of Ahilya Bai, the legendary ruler credited with building a number of leading temples in India.
"We want our children to have value education in local colour," Mr Mishra was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times newspaper.
However, many teachers and parents say they are unhappy with the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party run state government's move and think the nursery rhymes should have been allowed to continue.
