All schools in Odisha to remain open on March 5

A day after the Odisha government delinked Biju Patnaik birth anniversary from Panchayati Raj Day and declared that March 5 will not be observed as a holiday in the State, the School and Mass Education department has issued a notification directing all schools to remain open on Wednesday.
According to the notification issued by the School and Mass Education department, all government and government-aided schools in the State will remain open tomorrow (March 5).

Government Decision and Rationale

The Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, announced the shift of Panchayati Raj Day from March 5 to April 24, 2025, to align with National Panchayati Raj Day. The decision aims to resolve inconsistencies between state and national observances, with April 24 being the date when India presents awards like the National Pride Gram Sabha Award. Public Service Day will also be observed on the same date.

Continued Recognition of Biju Patnaik

While March 5 will no longer be a public holiday linked to Panchayati Raj, the government clarified that Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary will still be commemorated with cultural and political events. BJP leaders affirmed respect for his contributions.

Historical Significance of March 5

March 5 marks the birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik, Odisha's former CM and freedom fighter, who pioneered the state's Panchayati Raj system. He introduced 33% women’s reservation in local governance and first celebrated Panchayati Raj Day on this date in 1993. The day had been observed as a state holiday since the 1990s.

National Alignment and April 24 Observance

April 24 is nationally recognized as Panchayati Raj Day under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. The Odisha government stated the change ensures uniformity in celebrating grassroots governance achievements nationwide.

Political Opposition from BJD

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticized the move as politically motivated, arguing it erases Biju Patnaik’s legacy. Senior BJD leaders called the decision 'undemocratic' and warned it could create social discord, emphasizing that the March 5 observance was integral to Odisha’s democratic fabric.