The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) has requested a comprehensive report from the Punjab government regarding allegations that some government schools in the state did not observe Independence Day. The inquiry was initiated by a Bench led by Priyank Kanoongo, highlighting concerns over the adherence to national celebrations in educational institutions.
The NHRC is examining whether this resulted in children studying in these schools being denied an opportunity to take part in the national celebrations, news agency ANI reported. The complaint focuses on government schools in rural, remote and border areas where Independence Day celebrations were allegedly not held. The Bench has asked the Punjab government to determine whether children in border and remote areas received the same educational, cultural and civic opportunities linked to Independence Day as children elsewhere in the state. The details must include the number of government schools where the national flag was hoisted, the National Anthem was sung and students took part in the celebrations. The government has also been asked to list schools where the prescribed activities were not held and provide reasons for the non-compliance. The NHRC Bench has specifically directed the verification of government schools in rural, remote and border areas. It has also sought information on any disparity in the opportunities available to children studying in these locations. The Bench has also sought relevant information from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and informed the Ministry of Home Affairs for appropriate action.
The state government has been directed to submit state-wise, district-wise and school-wise information on the observance of Independence Day on 15 August.
