The Jharkhand Education Department has revised its earlier order and announced a school holiday on Raksha Bandhan, August 28. The decision came after several teacher organisations strongly opposed the plan to keep schools open on the festival.
Following the revised order, sports activities under the ‘Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat’ campaign will now be organised on August 27 instead of August 28. Teacher associations have welcomed the department's decision.
Teachers’ Protest Leads to Change in Decision:
Earlier, schools were instructed to remain open on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan, and August 30, a Sunday. Several teacher organisations strongly opposed the decision, citing the cultural and social importance of the festival.
The teachers argued that holding school activities on an important festival could affect students, teachers and their families.
Sports Day Activities Shifted to August 27
Following the revision, activities related to the ‘Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat’ campaign will now take place on August 27, a day before Raksha Bandhan.
The change ensures that schools can organise the planned sports activities while allowing students and teachers to observe the festival on August 28.
Teacher Organisations Welcome Revised Order
Several teacher associations, including the Jharkhand Plus Two Teachers Association and other teachers' groups, have welcomed the revised decision.
The organisations said that school programmes should consider the importance of major festivals, social traditions and the sentiments of students, teachers and parents.
What Parents and Students Should Know
Students and parents should follow updates and instructions issued by their respective schools regarding the August 27 sports activities and the Raksha Bandhan holiday on August 28.
Schools may also issue separate notices regarding the schedule of other academic and co-curricular activities.