Bhopal:
In an order likely to spark controversy, the education officer of a district in Madhya Pradesh has said that both government and private schools will take action if students participate in Christmas-related events without their parents' consent. This includes children dressing up as Santa Claus or as a Christmas tree for plays or other events.
The circular, which is in Hindi and issued by the Shajapur district education officer, reads: “Students are not allowed to be part of Christmas-related events including dressing up or playing roles like Santa Claus and Christmas tree without the written permission of parents , to prevent unwanted situations or incidents.”
The circular asks schools to make communication the highest priority and warns: “Unilateral disciplinary action will be proposed against your organization if there are any complaints about this.”
District education officer Vivek Dubey said there have been complaints in the past and the order does not ban Christmas events at schools.
“The circular does not prohibit events in schools during the upcoming holidays. In the past, there have been cases where parents complained that their wards were part of such events in schools without their consent, and the circular is intended to prevent such events.” Disputes. It is better to address such controversies than act after the incident has occurred,” he said.