Ram Mandir Holiday Row: Chikkamagaluru school faces criticism for alleged fines

Chikkamagaluru: The inauguration of the Ram Mandir is scheduled for January 22 and students of a school in Chikkamagaluru were purportedly threatened with a fine of Rs. 1,000 if they chose to take the day off.

Outrage against the school’s actions has been voiced by Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Amidst the government’s directive for worship in all temple under Mujarai department on the day of the Ram temple’s re-consecration in Ayodhya, confusion surrounds whether schools should observe a holiday on January 22. Private schools allegedly coercing students has further fueled the debate, leading pro-Hindu organizations to express their discontent.

Parents can allow their children to witness the live broadcast of the Ram Mandir inauguration from home if they wish to take a leave on January 22. Action will be taken against school if they penalize students for this choice, said the organizations.

ASP Krishnamurthy, in charge of the area, visited and held discussions with pro-Hindu organization workers, expressing his intention to communicate with the school board. The In-charge District Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), Prakash, also visited the school, engaging in talks with the school management board.