BJP dismisses Kerala Government Republic Day circular

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday dismissed Kerala Government Republic Day circular. The circular issued by the state government in Kerala has led to confusion in various government departments with regard to the Republic Day celebrations in the state.

The BJP party said that the directive not binding upon school as it does not come under the state. The circular was issued in the backdrop of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's declaration that he would hoist flag in Palakkad school.

The first paragraph of the circular issued by General Administration (Political) Department (GAD) on January 17, 2018 reads, "All officers, members of staff of State Government offices/ Public Sector Undertakings/ Autonomous Bodies/ Universities/ Colleges/ Schools/ Local Self Government Institutions under the control of State Government shall attend the National day functions."

Though the circular says that heads of educational institutions should hoist national flag on the Republic Day, different departments have come up with different interpretations of the guideline.

However, the Directorate of Public Instruction said that the circular is applicable only for government, government-aided, government affiliated unaided schools in the state. There are over 12,000 such institutions in the state.

OneIndia News