Suryakant Dhasmana writes to Chief Secretary to stop politicization of government schools in the name of ‘Seva se Sankalp’ of BJP
Suryakant Dhasmana writes to Chief Secretary to stop politicization of government schools in the name of ‘Seva se Sankalp’ of BJP
Dehradun, Sept 26
Senior Vice President of Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee, Suryakant Dhasmana, has written a letter to the Uttaraqkhand Chief Secretary demanding an immediate ban on political activities and attempts to politicize Government, Government-Aided and Private Schools in the name of ‘Seva se Sankalp’ programme of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In his letter, Dhasmana charged that in the name of ‘Seva se Sankalp’ programme, continuous efforts are being made to link Government, Government-Aided and Private Schools with a particular political ideology and party for its political mileage and publicity. He said that schools are sacred centres of education and future building of children, and using these institutions for political purposes of any political party or ideology is extremely serious and objectionable.
He said that under the guise of ‘Seva se Sankalp’ programme being celebrated on the Prime Minister’s birthday, the ruling party is trying to ‘saffronize’ the Government and Government-Aided and Private Schools. He further said that pressure is being exerted on schools for it, for which instructions are being issued through departmental officers that it is mandatory to invite BJP leaders and workers as Chief Guests for ‘Seva se Sankalp’ programme.
Enclosing the order of Block Education Officer, Raipur, Dehradun addressed to Principals vide letter No. Miscellaneous/1077-78/Seva Sankalp Abhiyan/2026-27 dated 22nd September 2026, Dhasmana demanded from the Chief Secretary that a fair inquiry should be conducted into all programmes being organized in Government, Government-Aided and Private Schools in the name of ‘Seva se Sankalp’ programme.
He asked the Chief Secretary that clear instructions should be issued that no school premises, government building or government resource in the state will be used for publicity of any political party or political organization and an immediate ban should be imposed on compulsory or forced participation of students and teachers in any political programme in schools.
Clear directions should be issued to officers of the Education Department and school managements that academic activities of schools should be kept separate from activities of any political party and If political publicity is confirmed in any school through ‘Seva se Sankalp’ or any such programme, accountability of concerned officers and school management should be fixed and action should be taken as per rules, Dhasmana demanded.
A clear code of conduct should be implemented in all schools of the state to ensure constitutional values, secularism, democratic spirit and political neutrality and information about the action taken by the Government and the guidelines issued in this regard should be made public, so that there is no confusion among the public and parents, he demanded.
Suryakant Dhasmana said that educational institutions are not a medium for publicity of any political party, but centres for building the future of the nation and society, therefore it is the responsibility of the Government to keep schools free from political interference and provide students with a free, fair and democratic environment.
