Faced with protests from all quarters over its recommendation to celebrate Good Governance Day on December 25, the HRD Ministry has asked universities to mark the initiative prior to the Christmas break. It also asked them to ensure the activities do not disturb the Christmas break.
In a communication on Monday to all universities after controversy erupted over a report that schools have been asked to stay open on Christmas, the HRD Ministry’s Joint Secretary said, “I would request you to organise the activities in such a manner that the Christmas holidays are not disturbed.”
The Government had decided to observe ‘Good Governance Day’ on December 25, which is also the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. But the HRD Ministry has now said that “all the activities have to be completed prior to the Christmas break”.
In an earlier communication sent on December 12, the Ministry had asked the universities “to organise a seminar on the topic ‘Use of the technology and innovations in promoting good governance’ and a competition on oratory (Bhashan Shailee)”. They were also asked to submit a compliance report to the Ministry by December 30 on their commemoration of ‘Good Governance Day’.
Following the clarification from the Ministry, DU’s Dean of Colleges, Malashri lal, on Tuesday directed the college principals to organise the competitions in such a manner that the Christmas holidays are not disturbed.