AGARTALA:
School premises in Tripura will not be used for any political functions including rallies and meetings during school hours, said state education department, on February 19.
However, if anyone wants to organise political programmes, the concerned parties have to obtain a no objection certificate (NOC) from the Director Secondary/Elementary Education or concerned district education officer, and would only be allowed during holidays or after-school hours, the directorate of school education, in an order issued on February 19, said.
The department informed that the said notification comes after several school authorities were found violating a government order issued in January, 2021.
“Especially, since the schools have reopened after long breaks necessitated by Covid pandemic situation, it is completely unacceptable the headmasters are allowing such activities seriously hampering teaching-learning activities and violating the norms of the Department. The undersigned is to inform all headmasters/teachers in-charge that strict action will be taken against them for the violations already committed and to warn others against any such violations in future,” the order further read.
On January 2, 2021, the then additional secretary to the government of Tripura had issued an order prohibiting political, religious and marriage functions in school premises.
The order also prohibits organizations from conducting any activity without obtaining prior approval and it is the duty of the headmasters/teachers in-charge to inform the inspector of schools/district education officers prior to an event.
“Upon receiving the relevant information, the matter has to be taken up with the local, administrative and police authorities, sub-divisional magistrate and sub-divisional police officers requesting cancellation of permission given for the programme,” the order said.
The order further added, “Any such request should be intimated to the concerned District Magistrates and Director of Elementary/Secondary Education for follow-up action.”