Omar Government Bans Education Department from Ordering Students to Attend Rallies
In a significant move, the Jammu and Kashmir government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has banned the Education Department from directing students or staff to participate in political programmes or rallies. This decision comes in response to widespread criticism following a controversial circular issued by the Poonch Chief Education Officer, which mandated the participation of students and teachers in a Tiranga rally organized by the RSS-affiliated ABVP.
The ban, issued through a circular by the School Education Department, explicitly prohibits any orders or permissions for students or staff to attend political events. The directive aims to ensure that education remains neutral and free from coercion or external influence.
Key Points:
- Immediate Ban: The circular mandates that no officer, including Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, or Heads of Institutions, can direct students or staff to participate in political programmes or rallies.
- Monitoring Compliance: The circular instructs all Chief Education Officers to strictly monitor compliance and report any deviations to the respective Director of School Education for further action.
- Public Reaction: The move has been welcomed by various quarters, including opposition parties and student bodies, who have long advocated for the depoliticization of education
