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NEW DELHI, INDIA, October 21: After “detoxifying” history textbooks, HRD minister Arjun Singh has turned his attention to “desaffronising” school holidays, begins this Times of India report. Following complaints from Christians over last year’s decision by then HRD minister M M Joshi to have the winter break in January instead of December, Arjun Singh has decided to revert to the old system. The 10-day break in all Centre-run Kendriya Vidyalayas will now begin from December 22, instead of January 5. “This (previous government’s decision) had caused inconvenience to minority communities, especially Christians (2% of India’s population). It is hoped the change will assuage the feelings of the minority community,” the HRD ministry said on Thursday. While the official reason for change of dates by the NDA government had been “excessive weather conditions” (first week of January being the coldest in northern states), many suspected a “saffron conspiracy.” Some major Hindu festivals like Lohri, Pongal and Makar Sankranti occur between January 5 and 19. The decision was criticized as it allowed holidays during Hindu festivals, depriving Christian students and teachers from celebrating Christmas, the Times of India report concludes.

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