NHRC demands Punjab explain missing Independence Day rites in border schools

The National Human Rights Commission has summoned the Punjab government for a comprehensive account of Independence Day celebrations in its public schools, after a grievance claimed that pupils in rural and border districts, especially near Pakistan, missed the customary flag-raising and anthem-singing. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo emphasized that such omissions could signal unequal civic education for children in those areas.

The commission seeks district-level and school-level figures on flag hoisting, anthem performance and student participation, and asks the state to pinpoint schools where the prescribed activities were not carried out, providing reasons for any lapses. The Punjab chief secretary has been directed to file an action-taken report within a four-week deadline. Relevant information has also been requested from the Union Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Home Affairs has been informed for possible follow-up.