The Bihar schools which lack basic amenities are currently debating upon the reduction in the number of holidays as the Education Department is keen on conducting classes in accordance with the Right to Education Act, 2009. However, several schools in Katihar were found flouting the RTE Act.
On August 29, the Education Department issued a circular to reduce the festive holidays from 23 to 11 days from September to December citing the RTE Act, according to which conducting at least 200 working days in primary schools and 220 days in middle schools is mandatory.
The cancellation of holidays for Raksha Bandhan, Teej (married women observing fast for the long life of husbands), Jiutiya (mothers observing fast for the long life of children), Vishwakarma Puja, Janmashtami, Durga Puja, Chhath and Guru Nanak Jayanti triggered a political debate after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called the government anti-Hindu.
