This Article is From Sep 08, 2016

These Schoolchildren In Tamil Nadu Had Permission To Bunk, For A Cause

These Schoolchildren In Tamil Nadu Had Permission To Bunk, For A Cause

Hundreds of schoolchildren protesting against plans for a government liquor shop near their school.

Tamil Nadu: Hundreds of children in uniform sat on the road and shouted slogans at a town in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, making an unusual picture on a school day. The students, along with their parents and local residents were protesting against plans for a government liquor shop near their school.

The shop is expected to open soon at Anducode in the Kanyakumari district in the south of Tamil Nadu, around 700 km from Chennai.

Apparently with the school management's blessings, the children sat on protest just outside the spot of the proposed outlet. Parents and teachers also joined them. Parents say a liquor shop on the way to school is unheard of, and the state government should step in.

The district administration says the shop doesn't violate rules as it's well beyond the 500 metre zone.

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has promised phased prohibition and had even ordered 500 liquor shops to shut down. But officials claim the shop opening near the school is not new, that it is shifting to a new location.
 
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