J-K mandating school students to attend ABVP rally ‘unacceptable’, using education as ‘propaganda tool’: JKSA

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir government is under fire for mandating government and private school students to attend a rally organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The school education department issued an order asking schools to send 40 to 50 students along with two teachers to a “Tiranga Rally”.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) lashed out at the government for using education as a “propaganda tool” by forcing students to attend the rally, calling it an unfortunate act.

In a statement, the national convenor of the association Nasir Khuehami said that the government order mandating both government and private schools to send students to an ABVP rally is deeply concerning and unacceptable.

He said that, with the directive, it has become more of an ideological event rather than a Republic Day celebration. The government has no right to dictate which political or ideological events students should participate in, he added.

‘Misuse of authority’: JKSA

JKSA convenor emphasized that education must remain neutral, free from coercion or external influence, and allow students the freedom to decide their participation in any political activity. By imposing such decisions, the government is not only infringing upon the rights of students but also encouraging political polarization within educational institutions. This move contradicts the essence of a democratic society, and it is essential that educational institutions are not used as tools for promoting any particular political agenda.

He further asserted that the permission granted by the district administration of Poonch not only raises serious concerns about the misuse of authority but also highlights a troubling disregard for institutional impartiality. Such actions set a dangerous example for the erosion of accountability within democratic institutions.

Nasir Khuehami added that while they are not against the celebration of Republic Day, dictating students to join a rally affiliated with a particular political organization is unwarranted. Public institutions cannot be used to serve private interests.