Rajasthan Govt Warns Schools: No Forcing Students to Dress as Santa Claus

• Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar education department warned schools against forcing students to dress as Santa Claus.
• Additional District Education Officer Ashok Wadhwa stated strict action will be taken against schools violating the directive.
• The order followed a complaint from Bharat-Tibet Sahyog Manch regarding parental resentment over forced participation.
• Wadhwa stressed maintaining balance in cultural programs and not imposing festivals, especially in Hindu-Sikh majority Sri Ganganagar.
• Uttar Pradesh issued a similar directive regarding Christmas holidays; Rajasthan schools are on winter vacation from Dec 25-Jan 5.

Why It Matters: Rajasthan warns schools against forcing Santa dress-up, citing parental concerns and cultural balance.