Bihar Education Department withdraws notification that curtailed holidays throughout Hindu festivals

On 4th September, the Bihar Education Department withdrew the notification curbing the variety of competition holidays in authorities faculties. The twenty ninth August notification, which has now been withdrawn, sparked widespread protests by the academics and opposition leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In the newest notification, the Education Department stated that the twenty ninth August notification has been withdrawn with instant impact.

Bihar Education Department withdraws the discover of lowering the variety of festive holidays in authorities faculties from 23 to 11 between September to December. pic.twitter.com/MtMXnZzmSh

— ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2023
Controversy over lowering holidays throughout Hindu festivals

On twenty ninth August, the Bihar Education Department issued a notification asserting that the variety of competition holidays between September and December has been diminished from 23 to 11. Additional Chief Secretary KK Pathak issued the notification to ‘improve the school education system’ in Bihar.

As per the notification, the Rakshabandhan vacation has been scrapped, the variety of Holidays for Durga Puja has been diminished from six to a few and 9 holidays for Diwali to Chhatth have been diminished to 4.

Regarding the choice, Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Begusarai Shandilya Giriraj Singh stated, “Education Department, Bihar Government has canceled holidays on Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja. Tomorrow, they may impose Sharia and ban Hindu festivals altogether.”

Teachers affiliation of Bihar ‘Educators of Bihar’ stated, “Even after deducting 52 Sundays and 60 holidays on festivals, the schools run for 253 days. The decision taken by the education department is dictatorial. The department should take cognizance of the matter and reverse the notification; otherwise, all teachers will protest against it and shake the foundation of the state government.”