Assam: All State-Run Schools To Remain Open on Gandhi Jayanti, Says Government

GUWAHATI: In an effort to connect the younger generation with the enduring values of Mahatma Gandhi, the Assam government has decided to keep all state-run schools open on Gandhi Jayanti, which falls on October 2. The Department of School Education will oversee the observance of this special day in schools throughout the state.

On the occasion of the International Day of Non-Violence, celebrated on October 2, all government schools in Assam will conduct programs and activities to remind students of the culture of inclusive unity and encourage the participation of all concerned stakeholders, according to a notification issued by the Department of School Education.

Additionally, it was also informed that a "Non-Violence Pledge" will be administered in all schools on this significant day.

The official order reads, "In view of the International Day of Non-Violence, 2023, to be observed globally on 2nd October, 2023, the birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Government of Assam in the Department of School Education have also decided to observe the day in all the schools across the state of Assam. Accordingly, all schools under the Department of School Education shall remain open on 02/10/2023 to organise programmes/activities on that day to remind students of the culture of inclusive oneness and to involve all stakeholders concerned. A 'Non-Violence Pledge' is also to be administered in all schools on that day."

Previously, in connection to the operation of state-run schools of Assam, in a significant move aimed at bolstering student nutrition, the Assam Cabinet approved the provision of three eggs per child each week as part of the Mid-Day Meal program. This initiative has been specifically tailored to benefit eligible students attending schools in tea garden areas and falls under the PM POSHAN scheme.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the positive impact of this decision, anticipating increased attendance and retention rates in schools, along with a reduction in dropout rates. ''Eggs being a good source of high-quality protein will boost physical growth while countering other adverse effects of malnutrition related to cognitive development. This will have a positive impact on increasing the attendance and retention of the children in schools and decreasing the dropout rate,'' he highlighted the key decisions of the Cabinet meeting which took place in early September.

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