Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar said on Sunday that the West Bengal government’s decision not to follow the Centre’s plan for celebrating Independence Day in schools was unfortunate.
The Minister announcing the Centre’s plan of action for the celebrations in schools and colleges across India. It included a painting competition for Classes 6 to 10, a quiz competition for Classes 11th and 12th and a discussion on New India for college students.
“Unfortunately, the West Bengal government is not participating. It said that it has been decided by the school education department that Independence Day 2017 will not be celebrated in this manner,” Mr. Javadekar said. “I don’t want to engage with a State through the media. But one thing is sure... this is unfortunate. I am sure wisdom will prevail [on the State government].”
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Mr. Javadekar said students were being encouraged to visit memorials of freedom fighters or homes of soldiers who had fought to protect India’s freedom after 1947 and resolve to fight terrorism, corruption, casteism, communalism, dirt and poverty. “These pledges are a secular, national agenda. It is not a political party agenda. It is also a voluntary call and it is not compulsory,” he said.