Navodaya Vidyalayas put on hold 'Good Governance Day' plans

 Caught in the middle of a controversy, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti on Monday night advised its regional officials against going ahead with the 'Good Governance Day' celebrations on Christmas till the issuance of a circular by CBSE in this regard.

"Since CBSE has not yet issued any circular so far regarding the activities to be undertaken on December 25, you are requested to await the issuance of the (same) before taking any further action," commissioner of the Samiti, GS Bothyal, said in a communication sent to the deputy commissioners of all the regions. In a circular on December 10, the Samiti had asked the deputy commissioners to ensure that 'Good Governance Day' was celebrated at all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) on December 25 with action taken to be communicated to the commissioner's office.

As the issue generated heat both inside and outside Parliament, the government moved on multiple fronts today to defuse the row, clarifying that all schools, including JNVs, would remain closed on December 25. It also denied a media report suggesting that schools would remain open on Christmas to observe 'Good Governance Day'. "This is to clarify that CBSE has not directed any schools to remain open on December 25. All schools will follow their vacation schedule including holiday on December 25 as specifically clarified by CBSE," said a statement issued by the Human Resources Development (HRD) Ministry.