School students not to feature in Republic Day parades in Assam

School children will not take part in the Republic Day ceremonial parade and march past as a precautionary measure in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation, while only fully vaccinated police, security personnel and home guards, who are trained, will be allowed to participate in the parade and march past across Assam on Wednesday.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has issued a revised and consolidated directive for public safety and a possible outbreak of COVID with variant forms of the virus for both rural and urban areas. The directive has come into force from Tuesday.

Post-Republic Day celebrations too have been prohibited as the state gears up for "minimal" Republic Day celebrations.

"The Republic Day programme will be limited to National Flag hoisting, speech by the guest of honour and ceremonial parade only. Regular activities like cultural programmes, award/prize distribution are to be avoided. It is clarified that there shall be no tableaux display during the Republic Day programme," the ASDMA order said.

The gathering for the Republic Day celebration is limited to a maximum of 1000 in Kamrup (Metro) and 500 for district-level function in other districts and 200 for other levels

"The gathering for the Republic Day celebration may be limited to a maximum of 1000 in Kamrup (Metro) and 500 for district-level function in other districts and 200 for other levels," it said.

The directive further stated that physical instruction in all schools up to class VIII in all districts shall remain suspended and all such educational institutions shall migrate to the virtual option until further orders.

"The situation shall be reviewed regularly and necessary instructions shall be issued by the education department. Physical classes shall be allowed on alternate days for Class IX students and above in all districts," it added.

The Kamrup district disaster management authority, meanwhile, has banned picnics in spots such as Ukiam, Kulsi, Chandubi, Baregaon, Rani Khamar, Kopili, Kedar, Dirgheswari, Madan Kamdev, Malang Sildubi (Houhuwapara) and any other picnic places/spots to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the district.