Chandigarh: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken a strong view of allegations that Independence Day celebrations were not held at government schools in some rural areas along Punjab’s Pakistan border.
The commission’s bench has sought a detailed report from the Punjab chief secretary and information from the Union Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also been informed about the matter.
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said allegations had been received that some government schools in border villages neither hoisted the national flag nor organised the singing of the national anthem on Independence Day.
Kanoongo said keeping children in rural areas away from Independence Day celebrations could amount to discrimination and a violation of their rights. He stressed that children across the country take part in such events to remember freedom fighters and understand the significance of national celebrations.
NHRC questions government’s role
Kanoongo referred to Article 51 of the Constitution, which outlines fundamental duties of citizens, and said the Flag Code also provides for flag-hoisting at schools. He noted that the Education Ministry has issued directions from time to time regarding the observance of Independence Day in educational institutions.
Describing the alleged failure as a serious lapse by the Punjab government, Kanoongo went as far as calling it “governmental treason”.
The NHRC has now sought details from the Punjab chief secretary regarding the allegations and the action taken. The Union Education Ministry has also been asked to provide information, while the Home Ministry has been apprised of the issue.
The Punjab government’s response is expected to clarify why Independence Day events were allegedly not held at the border-area schools and what action, if any, will follow.
