Rajasthan: Education Department warns of action if schools force children to dress up as Santa Claus on Christmas

The education department in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district has issued an order on 22nd December, stopping schools from making children dress up as Santa Claus on Christmas Day, 25th December. The order applies to both government and private schools across the district.

According to the order issued by the district education officer, Ashok Wadhwa, Sri Ganganagar is largely a Hindu and Sikh majority area, and it is not right to impose any tradition or religious practice on children. The department said the step was taken to respect social sensitivities and to ensure that students are not put under any kind of pressure.

The decision came after a complaint was submitted by Sukhjeet Singh Atwal, the district president of Bharat Tibet Sahayog Manch. In the complaint, it was stated that despite the district having very few Christian families, schools have been asking children to dress up as Santa Claus during Christmas celebrations for several years.

The education department made it clear that no school should force or pressure any student to dress up as Santa Claus. It warned that if such pressure is found in any school, strict action will be taken as per the rules. The order also said that if any complaint is received from parents or organisations, the school concerned will be held responsible.

Officials said such activities create unnecessary pressure on children and should be stopped. Schools have been asked to respect local traditions and keep cultural differences in mind while planning any programmes. The education department said the move is aimed at protecting the mental and social well-being of children and ensuring that schools remain careful and responsible to avoid any future disputes.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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