SRINAGAR: J&K administration has directed all schools to commence morning assemblies with the National Anthem, requiring them to strictly follow a four-year-old norm whose compliance has been erratic.
A circular issued by the principal secretary of the school education to this effect also requires morning assemblies to be made uniform across the Union Territory. The order covers private institutions.
"It has been observed that such a significant ritual/tradition is not being carried out uniformly across various schools of JK UT," the circular issued on Wednesday reads.
Department principal secretary Alok Kumar said morning assemblies helped nurture values of moral integrity, shared community and discipline.
The assemblies should be of 20 minutes, beginning with the National Anthem and requiring all students and teachers to gather in a designated area of the school.
The circular lists 16 steps for schools to follow. The school education department has advised schools to invite to their morning assemblies guest speakers, create awareness about environment and caution students against drugs.
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