Schools to remain closed Dec 25: CBSE

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Monday said no special directions were issued to open schools on Dec 25 and the regular vacation schedule would be followed to observe the day as a holiday.

Accusing a section of the media of floating a distorted impression about the CBSE requiring schools to remain open on Christmas, the education board said in a statement that its proposed instructions were for a two-day online essay competition starting from Dec 24, which was "completely voluntary" for students to participate from their homes or any other place.

The human resource development (HRD) ministry came under fire over a circular by the Navodya Vidyalaya Samiti asking all its schools to observe Dec 25 as "Good Governance Day" by organising various competitions for students.

According to the CBSE statement, Navodaya schools are residential schools and their vacation pattern depend on climate conditions in their respective regions.

The event would be observed only in those schools that do not have any winter break this year, but no classes will be held that day.

However, students living in hostels on the school premises would have the opportunity to participate in the essay competition on voluntary basis, the statement said.

Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, that comes under the HRD ministry, clarified that no other activities for this competition would be held except the opportunity to submit essays online voluntarily.

Meanwhile, all Kendriya Vidyalayas would also remain closed during the period, and their students can participate voluntarily in the online essay competition.