Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced plans to cancel holidays in the state in the name of great leaders.
If the decision is implemented, it will benefit the schools in UP.
Announcing his disapproval, he said, "Some people will object to this decision, but these holidays hamper studies in schools. Moreover, most students are not even aware of the deeds and personality of the leaders in whose name the holidays are given."
At present, there are 42 public holidays in the state. Among them, 17 are given in the name of great leaders like Guru Nanak, Maharana Pratap, Mahavir, Hazrat Ali, Dr Ambedkar, Maharaj Agrasen etc. Holidays in the name of these personalities were initiated by previous governments to placate the members of various communities.
As per rules, there should be 139 holidays in one academic year—including summer vacations, festivals and Sundays. But these extra holidays further cut short the working days, because of which the schools remain open for just 120 days in a year.
The teaching community welcomed this decision. The principal of renowned public school in Lucknow, Kunwars’ Global School, Dr D.P. Singh said, “This is a very good move, which will give the schools more working days and ample time for teachers to complete the syllabus.”
Former principal of Lucknow Montessori College, the first Montessori college in the state, A.B. Singh, said, “Instead of closing schools on these days, the students should be taught about the deeds and personalities of these leaders."
Once the decision is implemented, number of holidays in state government offices will also go down. Requesting anonymity, a senior state government official said that the move will benefit public in general, as services like electricity, water, house tax and urban development will remain available for more days.
