Republic Day Celebration Sans Students & Public, Odisha Govt Releases Guidelines

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government on Thursday released guidelines for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter to the district collectors and SPs by the State Home Department, it is said that no students, NCC cadets or the general public will be allowed to take part in the Republic Day celebrations.

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and to contain the spread of the disease, the Odisha government has discouraged large gatherings, reads the letter.

Here are the guidelines:

-After 8:30. the national Flag shall be unfurled by the chief guest followed by playing of the National Anthem

-Only police contingents shall participate in the ceremony

-No participation of students/NCC cadets etc.

-No participation by the general public. Only a limited number of guests may be invited, using e-invites, including Covid warriors

-Social distancing norms, wearing of masks etc are to be strictly followed by those attending the function

-The venue must be sanitised and a hand sanitiser be made available at all entry points of the celebration venue

-Online essay/quiz contests may be organised to mark the occasion

The following decisions have to be strictly followed and similar guidelines may also be followed for the Republic Day celebrations at the block and panchayat levels, it added.