School farewells are a memorable part of a student’s life, but the Education Department apparently finds such events as a waste of money. It has thus barred government schools from organising farewells for Classes X and XII.
A letter in this regard has been sent to district education officers (DEOs), principals and heads by Krishan Kumar, secretary, school education. He said since most of the students in government schools belonged to economically weaker sections, contributing funds for such events put a financial burden on their parents.
“If the parents fail to contribute, it leads to frustration and low esteem among students,” he said, adding that a group photo of the outgoing students was enough.
The move has, however, drawn flak from both teachers and students. Gurdeep Singh, a retired school principal, said: “It is an unjustified and arbitrary order. How can an event where junior students contribute Rs 20-30 for seniors as a goodwill gesture be a burden on their parents.”
Buta Singh, a retired teacher and a senior functionary of the Democratic Teacher Front, said: “The practice is continuing for the last many decades. No objection was ever raised.”
Official sources said the farewell parties were not just limited to schools, as after the official event, many students hold parties at some private place and consume liquor.
Earlier in July last year, the Education Department had imposed restriction on organising farewell parties for the teachers on their retirement, citing forced contributions from fellow teachers and adverse impact on studies.
