For the first time in decades, no school children at Karnataka's Republic Day celebration at Manekshaw Parade Ground

High school students across Karnataka can go to school and attend Republic Day celebrations only if their parents agree and provided the school follows all the SOPs laid down, said the Education Department. As Republic Day is approaching, the Karnataka Education Department has already sent a notification to schools that they can celebrate Republic Day in the presence of the Principal, senior teachers and other non-teaching staff by following the Standard Operating Procedures strictly. However, students attending PUC 2, SSLC and high school students are welcome to participate in this programme only with the permission of their parents. This decision has been taken due to the prevailing risk of contracting COVID-19. 

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Similarly, the Government of Karnataka has also reduced the number of performances this year for the 72nd Republic Day that will be happening on January 26 in Manekshaw Parade Ground. While the government has already considered inviting a limited number of guests for this event, there will be no performances by school children. Devaraja who works with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, says, "Every year, at least 40 visually-impaired children used to perform on the Republic Day. Last week, the Government of Karnataka held meetings twice and informed us that this year, there will be no performance by specially-abled or any school children in the parade ground. The government doesn't want to risk the lives of children to COVID-19."