In the wake of widespread public criticism, the Bathinda District Administration on Friday swiftly reversed its controversial decision to shut down six schools and make arrangements for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's security personnel. At the same time, show-cause notices had been issued to the responsible education officers — DEO (elementary) Shivpal, and DEO (secondary) Bhupinder Kaur.

The district education officers' written order, issued on December 14, raised eyebrows and sparked outrage among parents, educators, and the public.

The directive, which mandated the evacuation of selected government schools in Maur to accommodate the security team for an upcoming political rally, drew sharp condemnation for its apparent disregard for the educational disruptions it would cause.

The affected schools were directed to vacate premises and ensure facilities for Mann’s security personnel, with the head teachers overseeing the arrangements until December 17.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the order was withdrawn on Friday by Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray, who clarified that the education officers had issued the directive “at their own level” without consulting him.

Parray further stated that alternate security arrangements would be made for the Chief Minister's security, and the schools would proceed with their scheduled activities, including a mega Parent Teacher Meeting (PTM) on December 16.

Expressing his disapproval of the unilateral decision, the Deputy Commissioner said: “They issued the order without any consultation with me, and it stands withdrawn. The schools will hold PTM as scheduled.”

Parray also confirmed that show-cause notices had been issued to the responsible education officers, DEO (elementary) Shivpal, and DEO (secondary) Bhupinder Kaur.