1 week ago
Punjab Teachers Defend Early Independence Day Functions in Schools
The National Human Rights Commission questioned whether some Punjab government schools held Independence Day programmes.
Priyank Kanoongo said he found many schools locked during a visit on August 15.
Teachers said this did not mean the schools skipped Independence Day.
They explained that many schools held their programmes on August 14.
On August 15, teachers and students often attended larger events at the tehsil or district level.
They also said August 15 is a national holiday for students.
The NHRC has ordered Punjab to check every district and provide proof of what happened.
Punjab officials said the complaint’s allegations were baseless.
The government must send its report within four weeks.
The NHRC ordered Punjab to verify which government schools held Independence Day functions and submit evidence within four weeks.
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said many schools in border district Fazilka were locked on August 15.
Teachers said most schools held ceremonies on August 14 because staff and students attended tehsil or district events on August 15.
A Fazilka teacher said attendance was recorded for teachers and students participating in official Independence Day programmes.
Punjab officials called the allegations baseless, while the state government must now submit an Action Taken Report.
- Who
- The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo, Punjab teachers and officials, and the Punjab government.
- What
- The NHRC ordered a statewide verification of Independence Day celebrations in Punjab government schools.
- Where
- Punjab, particularly Fazilka district and the border-area village of Dona Nanka.
- When
- The school visits occurred on August 15; the NHRC order was issued on Tuesday, with a report due within four weeks.
- Why
- The order followed an NGO complaint alleging that some state-run schools did not hold Independence Day functions.
NHRC and Complaint Allegations
Punjab Teachers and Officials
Whether schools observed Independence Day
NHRC and Complaint Allegations
Priyank Kanoongo said many schools he visited in Fazilka were locked and an NGO alleged non-observance in some government schools, especially in rural and border areas.
Punjab Teachers and Officials
Teachers said government schools did observe Independence Day, with most holding programmes on August 14 and marking the attendance of participants.
Reason for limited August 15 events
NHRC and Complaint Allegations
The NHRC’s concern focused on schools where functions were reportedly not held on August 15.
Punjab Teachers and Officials
Teachers and Fazilka officials said it was practically difficult to hold functions in every school because teachers and students attended tehsil- or district-level celebrations, while August 15 is a national holiday.
Assessment of the allegations
NHRC and Complaint Allegations
The NHRC ordered a statewide fact-finding exercise requiring documentary evidence and explanations.
Punjab Teachers and Officials
Punjab Education Secretary Sonali Giri termed the allegations baseless, and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Punjab did not need a certificate of patriotism.
Key facts
- NHRC action
- The commission directed Punjab’s chief secretary to conduct district-wise verification and submit documentary evidence.
- Deadline
- Punjab must submit an Action Taken Report within four weeks.
- NHRC visit
- Priyank Kanoongo visited schools in Fazilka on August 15 and participated in a programme at Government Primary School Dona Nanka.
- Teachers’ explanation
- Teachers said most schools held functions on August 14 because staff and students attended tehsil- or district-level events on August 15.
- Holiday status
- Teachers said August 15 is a national holiday and school attendance at functions is not mandatory.
- Punjab response
- Education Secretary Sonali Giri called the allegations baseless, while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann rejected the need for a certificate of patriotism.
Quotes
Anonymous teacher from Fazilka district
Teacher who heads a cluster of 11 schools
“Majority schools under my supervision held I-Day function on August 14. On August 15, teachers are on duty at tehsil or district-level programmes.”
indianexpress.com
“The attendance of teachers and children who participate in I-Day functions, is always duly marked.”
indianexpress.com
Rajeev Chagti
Head teacher at Government Primary School Dona Nanka
“Rajeev Chagti, head teacher, GPS Dona Nanka said they organized the function after receiving Kanoongo’s schedule in advance.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
Related news
NHRC Seeks Punjab Report on School Independence Day Celebrations
NHRC Orders Punjab Inquiries Into Rape Allegation, School Events
Himachal Government Schools Closed August 17 for Compensatory Holiday
Virudhunagar Schools Closed August 14 for Aadi Pooram Festival
Madhya Pradesh Districts Mark 80th Independence Day With Fervour
Over 1.41 Crore UP Schoolchildren Join Independence Day Celebrations
Private Hospitals Flag Ayushman Bharat Payment Delays and Claim Deductions
Punjab Announces Statewide Awareness Drive on BC Certificates
NDA Personnel Found Dead On Pune Railway Track; Inquiry Ordered
Bajwa Questions Punjab Government Over Pending Employee DA Arrears
BJP Alleges Punjab Cash-for-Transfer Network, Seeks Mann Resignation
