In Muktsar, schools double up as community centres

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Gidderbaha, August 26

It’s a free-for-all in government schools of Muktsar district – the home district of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

After Sangat Darshan (public meeting) programmes of the Chief Minister and membership drive of the Youth Akali Dal (YAD), bhog (last rites) ceremonies are being held at government schools here, and that too, during school timings in clear violation of rules.

One such bhog ceremony was held at Government Primary School, Sukhna Ablu village in Gidderbaha sub-division today. Tents were pitched in the school ground to observe the ceremony from 11 am to 1.30 pm. During this time, loud speakers were also used, much to the inconvenience of students.

A large number of people had come to attend the ceremony. They were later offered eatables in a separate tent there.

Interestingly, the school management committee (SMC) had given the approval for the event on the request of the village panchayat, without bothering about the disturbance that would be caused to students.

When contacted, Davinder Kumar Rajoria, District Education Officer (DEO), Muktsar, said, “The holding of any such programme on the school premises is in violation of the rules. I have sought a reply from the school management committee and head teacher on why they allowed the bhog ceremony on the school premises.”

Notably, there is open space available for such programmes at the focal point in the village.

A majority of Sangat Darshan programmes of the Chief Minister are held in schools. Even during his recent visit on August 18 and 19, the programmes were held at schools in Dhaula, Tharajwala, Kheowali, Killianwali and Phulukhera villages.

On July 2, YAD workers had held a membership drive at Government Primary School, Fattanwala village.