Bharat Bandh: CBSE exams for Class 10 and 12 postponed in Punjab, schools to remain shut

CHANDIGARH: In the wake of Bharat Bandh on April 2, the CBSE Board examinations for class X and XII which were scheduled to be held on Monday have been postponed in Punjab. Several Dalit organisations have called for a Bharat Bandh on Monday against the amendment under the SC/ST Act. Following this, the Punjab government has declared closure of all educational institutions and suspension of mobile Internet services in the state.

CBSE Board Examinations for Class X & XII scheduled for 2nd April 2018, postponed in Punjab due to call of Bharat Bandh pic.twitter.com/6LlURBkUP6

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2018

Punjab Chief Secretary Karan A Singh wrote to Secret Department of Defence, Government of India saying, "Army in Punjab to remain ready for any eventuality as state govt may need their assistance in maintaining law and order during bandh called by several Dalit organisations against the amendment of SC/ST Act."

As many as 4000 police personnel along with one company of Rapid Action Force will be deployed on Monday and strict action will be taken against those who indulge in violence. "4000 police personnel along with one company of Rapid Action Force to be deployed tomorrow. Strict action will be taken against those who indulge in violence," Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana told ANI.

The bandh has reportedly been called by the groups against dilution of Scheduled Castes-Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act provisions and alleged arbitrary arrests made under the same. The government has, however, made an appeal to the bodies to call off the Bharat Bandh.

The Supreme Court had ruled that before filing any case of atrocities on members of SC and ST community, a probe by DSP-level officer would be mandatory. A prior permission would also be needed from senior officials before arresting any government official in such cases. The court had observed that many fake cases were filed under the Act. The decision was taken by the Supreme Court while hearing a petition filed by the Maharashtra government.