All government and government-aided schools in Odisha will be open on March 5 (Wednesday), according to a circular issued by the School & Mass Education (S&ME) department on Tuesday. The duty has been communicated to all District Education Officers (DEOs) across the state.
Previously, March 5 was designated as a public holiday in Odisha to honour Panchayati Raj Dibas. However, in order to be consistent with national tradition, the state administration has chosen to move Panchayati Raj Dibas from March 5 to April 24. The modification was announced on Monday.
Odisha commemorated March 5 as Panchayati Raj Dibas, the birth anniversary of the state’s legendary leader, Biju Patnaik.
Panchayati Raj Dibas is observed nationally on April 24, which coincides with the anniversary of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which established India’s Panchayati Raj system.