Independence Day-2022 celebrations to be held at Odisha schools without students

Bhubaneswar: This year’s Independence Day celebrations will be held at schools across Odisha without the participation of students, informed School & Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash today.

The Independence Day will be observed at the schools by the teachers. The observance will be carried out as per the guidelines of the state government, the minister said.

This apart, there will be no parade on this year’s Independence Day in Odisha due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation. A decision in this regard has been taken by the State Government at a preparatory meeting for observation of Independence Day.

“In view of the COVID-19 pandemic in the State, Govt. of Odisha have discouraged large gatherings along with several other preventive measures to contain the spread of the disease like previous years. In wake of the above, changes to the usual schedule need to be undertaken to ensure maximum safety of guests as well as participants,” an official notification said.

As a part of the changes, the venue of the state-level Independence Day celebration has been shifted from Mahatma Gandhi Marg here to IDCO Exhibition Ground, Unit-3 in the capital city, where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will join as the chief guest and hoist the national flag.

Though parade will not be held, guard of honour will be presented.

Three contingents of OSAP, ODRAF, BSF, SS Battalion besides Police Band would participate in the function.

The contingents participating in the function will be tested for COVID-19 and would be required to maintain adequate social distancing at the venue.

The officers deployed near the flag post would also be tested for COVID-19 and wear mask and gloves.