Amid the ongoing protests over the rape and murder of a junior woman doctor at RG Kar hospital, the state government has canceled the Teacher’s day programme this year. According to sources in the education department, the programme will be held later.

Each year, the West Bengal government organises the Teachers Day programme at Netaji Indoor stadium where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses the students. Education Minister Bratya Basu and other ministers, officials and dignitaries are also present at the event.

Additionally, the ‘Shiksha Ratna’ awards are also presented to some teachers for their exceptional performances.

A senior official of the state government while speaking with The Indian Express said, “It was a plan like every year, slated to be held on September 5. But, on Saturday we came to know that Advance Security Liaison (ASL) meeting will not be held and we confirmed that the programme is going to be canceled.”

“You know, the type of movement at present is going on in West Bengal, especially Kolkata. In this situation, it is risky for the Department to organise such a programme. The civil society of the city is in protest mode…,” said a senior official of the Education Department.

“Instead, a small programme on Teacher’s day will be organised at Bikash Bhawan on Thursday,” the official added.

General secretary of All Bengal Teachers Association (ABTA), Sukumar Pyne said, “Basically the state government and the Chief Minister is now afraid of people…”

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