BJP pokes fun over cash-strapped Himachal govt’s move to earn revenue from magic shows in schools

Munish Sood
MANDI: A letter issued by the Deputy Director of Elementary Education in Hamirpur directing government and private schools in the district to organise magic shows has gone viral on social media, triggering a political storm in Himachal Pradesh.

The controversy stems from a clause in the letter stating that “30 per cent of the earnings from these magic shows will be deposited in the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund or the Disaster Management Fund”.

The issue took centrestage during the Budget session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, with the opposition BJP launching a scathing attack on the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government.

Opposition says reflects govt’s helplessness

BJP MLA Randhir Sharma took a dig at the administration, remarking, “The financial condition of the government has deteriorated to such an extent that it is now seeking revenue from magic shows in schools. This order to collect 30 per cent of the earnings for the CM’s Relief Fund or disaster fund is a testament to the government’s helplessness.”

Randhir Sharma alleged that the Congress made false promises during the Assembly elections and now these promises had become a noose around their neck. “If the situation is so dire, the government might as well place donation boxes outside the Secretariat so that passersby can contribute.”

Minister Rohit Thakur says order withdrawn

Following the uproar in the Assembly and the growing criticism on social media, Education Minister Rohit Thakur intervened and directed the Directorate of Education to withdraw the order.

“The letter was issued by the Deputy Director of Elementary Education, Hamirpur. While there is no issue with organising magic shows in schools, issuing such an order was inappropriate. As soon as we learned about it through social media, we instructed the Directorate to revoke the directive.

Additionally, the Deputy Director has been asked to provide an explanation regarding this letter,” the minister clarified.