New Delhi, The National Human Rights Commission has sought a report from the Punjab government after a complaint alleged that Independence Day was “not observed in the manner” contemplated under applicable governmental instructions in several government schools, especially those in border and remote areas of the state.
The complaint specifically raises concerns about government schools located in rural and remote areas. The state government has been asked to submit an action taken report within four weeks, according to proceedings of the case dated August 18.
It also specifically called upon the Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy in the Ministry of Education, to “examine and report” in four weeks the pattern consistent with the educational objectives and constitutional values contemplated under the applicable national educational framework. The commission said it has taken cognisance of the complaint filed by Vinay Joshi of Maharashtra, who alleged that in “several government schools in Punjab, particularly schools situated in border areas, rural, remote and allegedly underserved areas, Independence Day was not observed in the manner contemplated under the applicable governmental instructions”. The NHRC said it considers it necessary to examine whether children studying in government schools, particularly those in rural, remote and border areas, were afforded an equal opportunity to participate in educational and co-curricular activities that could acquaint them with the country’s constitutional framework, freedom struggle, national symbols, civic responsibilities and national values, the proceedings said. Hence, the commission said it is necessary to ascertain whether the instructions applicable to schools in connection with Independence Day, 2026 were “duly communicated to all government schools in Punjab, whether they were implemented uniformly”. The commission said it is necessary to examine whether children in such schools were provided with the same meaningful opportunity to participate in Independence Day activities as children studying in urban or better-resourced schools. The state shall also specifically clarify whether any “district-wise disparity” was noticed in the implementation of the Independence Day programme, it said.
