State warns all the schools to refrain from political, controversial programmes
All aided and non-aided schools in the Maharashtra state have been asked to refrain from political and controversial programmes, which propagates propaganda amongst the students. This order was passed by School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad in a circular on January 11.
Schools have been warned from organizing such events and also have been asked to take immediate action against those hosting such programmes. Varsha Gaikwad said, “There are dedicated spaces in the city to protest and schools should not be made a part of this.”
On 10th January, the Balika Vidyalaya and Junior College, run by the Arya Samaj located in Matunga had organized an hour-long programme where local BJP leaders interacted with students to “spread awareness” and “correct misinformation” about Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), which escalated protests across the country against its implementation. Sumita Suman Singh, BJP’s Uttar Bhartiya Morcha’s Mahamantri-Mumbai, is a trustee of the school who had organized the interaction.
Meanwhile, the BJP has objected to the notice issued against Dayanand School for organizing such event. BJP’s Kirit Somaiya, threatened to file a police complaint against the notice and said, “The BJP has launched a campaign across the country, including Maharashtra, in support of CAA. It has appealed to one and all. The party is not forcing any institution to take up the campaign.”
“If a school or any institution suo motu holds a programme in favour of the CAA, why should the education department issue them notice?” asked the leader.
