A recent order in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir has sparked controversy, as it directed schools to send students to a “Tiranga rally.” Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has publicly criticized the directive, saying it “should not have happened.” This statement highlights concerns about involving children in events that have political connections. The rally, organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), is part of a larger national campaign.
The situation unfolded when the Additional District Magistrate gave the ABVP permission for the rally. Shortly after, the Chief Education Officer then requested schools to ensure student participation. This instruction led to questions about whether students should be required to participate in events like this. Essentially, the directive created a situation where students might have felt pressured to attend, raising concerns about the lines between school activities and political events.
Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary’s criticism focuses on making sure that children’s participation in public events is voluntary. He clearly expressed his disapproval of the order, stating again that “It should not have happened.” This incident serves as an important reminder. It highlights the need to carefully manage how children participate in public events. Ultimately, it emphasizes the necessity of establishing clear boundaries between what is school-related and what is political.