New Delhi: Close on the heels of the controversy surrounding the observance of good governance day on X'Mas day, the CBSE yesterday made it clear that participation in the event was "voluntary" as schools will remain closed on that day and essays would be submitted only through mobiles.
In a communication to all principals of CBSE-affiliated schools, the Board also mentioned that "schools are closed on account of the Christmas Day, thus the willing students may submit their entries from home or any other place which provides online access".
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The age-wise appropriate topics will be provided on CBSE academic website (www.cbseacademic.in) on December 24, it said.
The entries in the form of essays in 22 scheduled languages and English may be submitted on December 25, 2014 from 9 am to 5 pm, it said.
The 36 best entries in each category will be given a cash prize of Rs 2000 and all participants with valid email IDs will be given online participation certificate, the communication said.
A communication from Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti last week about observing December 25 as good governance day to mark the birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birthday had triggered a controversy as events in connection with the event apparently required the physical presence of students.
HRD Minister Smriti Irani had, however, clarified later that schools would remain closed on that day and that the participation was voluntary in nature.
