Schools closed for AAP rally, order withdrawn

Bathinda: Vikas Kranti rally of Aam Aadmi Party is to be held in Maud Mandi on Sunday, in which AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will participate. To accommodate the security squads of both the leaders at the rally, the local officials of the education department at their level declared holiday in six schools on Saturday. When the matter came to the notice of District Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ahmed Pare, he reprimanded the education officials. After this the leave order had to be withdrawn.

Notice given to education officers who issued leave order

Now on Saturday these schools will open like normal days. In view of the rally, District Education Officer (Secondary) Shivpal Goyal and District Education Officer (Elementary) Bhupinder Kaur had declared holiday on Saturday in six government schools of Maud Mandi, citing the security of the two leaders. The letter also said that there will be a holiday in schools, but school heads and teachers will be present there. They will make arrangements for the accommodation of the employees engaged in the security of the Chief Minister.

Kejriwal and Maan will take part in Vikas Kranti Rally in Maud Mandi

This letter was being criticized all around. Shiromani Akali Dal called it misuse of power. Due to closure, PTM is not possible in these schools. DC Shaukat Ahmet Pare has issued a letter saying that his office was not asked to put teachers on duty for the security of the Chief Minister. DC has sought answers from both the officers in the matter of issuing the letter without the permission of the government.