Independence Day skipped in Punjab schools near Pakistan border? NHRC seeks answers in 4 weeks | Delhi News

Allegations suggest Independence Day celebrations were not held in some rural and border schools.

NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government over allegations that Independence Day celebrations were not held at some government schools in rural, remote and border areas of the state.The NHRC Bench headed by member Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance of a complaint alleging that students at some schools, particularly those near the Pakistan border, were deprived of the opportunity to participate in Independence Day celebrations on August 15.The complaint raised concerns over the alleged non-observance of activities such as flag hoisting, singing of the National Anthem and student participation in celebrations.Kanoongo said the alleged omission disproportionately affected children in rural and border areas and raised questions about whether they were being denied the same educational, cultural and civic opportunities as students elsewhere in the state.The NHRC has directed the Punjab government to provide state-wise, district-wise and school-wise details of Independence Day observances. It has specifically sought the number of government schools where the national flag was hoisted, the National Anthem was sung and students participated in celebrations.The state government has also been asked to identify schools where the prescribed activities were not conducted and explain the reasons for the alleged non-compliance. The commission has ordered verification of schools in rural, remote and border areas to determine whether there was any disparity in opportunities available to students.Kanoongo alleged that the failure to organise such events amounted to governmental neglect and said it was important to ensure that children were taught about the freedom struggle, the Constitution, national symbols, civic duties, national unity and democratic values.The NHRC has directed the Punjab chief secretary to submit an Action Taken/Compliance Report within four weeks. The commission has also sought relevant information from the Union Ministry of Education and informed the Ministry of Home Affairs for appropriate action.The NHRC said it was seeking to ascertain whether children in border areas were denied equal opportunities to participate in Independence Day celebrations because of the geographical location of their schools.(With ANI inputs)