Raksha Bandhan and Shrikrushna Janmashtami holidays cancelled in Bihar Schools

Patna (Bihar) – The Bihar Government has reduced holidays in Government schools. According to the orders issued by KK Pathak, Additional Chief Secretary of Education Department, there will be no holidays on the festivals of Raksha Bandhan, Haritalika, Jiutiya, Vishwakarma Puja, Shrikrushna Janmashtami and Guru Nanak Jayanti. BJP has criticised this decision.

1.  Bihar Government schools had an estimated 23 holidays from 28th August to 31st December, which has been now reduced to 11. Until now, there were consecutive holidays from Diwali to Chhath Puja. Now Diwali, Chitragupta Puja (Bhai Dooj), and a 2-day holiday for Chhathh will be observed.

2. The Education Department stated that according to ‘Right to Education Act 2009’, primary schools (Classes I to V) should have a minimum of 200 working days, and secondary schools (Classes VI to VIII) should have a minimum of 220 working days.

3. The Director of Secondary Education Department stated that performance in schools is affected by elections, exams, festivals, natural calamities etc. There is also no uniformity in holidays on the occasion of festivals. Some Districts keep schools open during festival times, while others keep them closed. Therefore, the change made by the Education Department is for the remainder of the year 2023 only to ensure uniformity in school operations.

Shariat may also be implemented in Bihar – Criticism by Union Minister Giriraj Singh

BJP MP and Union Minister Giriraj Singh (Credit : Outlook India)

BJP MP and Union Minister Giriraj Singh said that, “Bihar Government has reduced holidays for Durga Puja during Navratri, Diwali and Chhathh Puja. Tomorrow it is possible that Sharia will be implemented in Bihar, and there will be a ban on celebrating Hindu festivals”.

शिक्षा विभाग,बिहार सरकार द्वारा दुर्गा पूजा, दिवाली और छठ पूजा की छुट्टियां रद्द कर दी गई हैं।
कल संभव है कि बिहार में शरिया लागू कर दी जाये और हिंदू त्योहार मनाने पर रोक लग जाये।

— Shandilya Giriraj Singh (@girirajsinghbjp) August 30, 2023

Will go to Court if no intervention by Chief Minister – Primary Teachers’ Association

Following the orders by Education Department, the teachers are also furious. TET primary teachers’ association (TPTA) state convener Raju Singh said, “this decision has been taken without considering all the rules and conditions. By such orders, teachers are being harassed. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will be requested to intervene in this matter. If they do not make proper decision, the teachers will seek justice in the Court”.

Editorial Viewpoint

Why Bihar Government has not cancelled the holidays of other religions ? This shows that the Government of Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar is doing injustice to Hindus by avoiding hurting Muslims and Christians.