Government today denied media reports that it has directed schools across the country to observe good governance day on 25th of this month describing them as baseless and inaccurate. Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani told reporters outside Parliament that 25th December is Christmas and schools will remain closed. She said only online essay competition will be conducted on the day which is voluntary. Ms. Irani said that it is unfortunate that misreporting has been deliberately done and controversy has been created to grab news headlines.

Earlier, senior Union Cabinet Minister Arun Jaitley, while speaking in Rajya Sabha, dismissed as baseless media reports that schools across the country will remain opened on Christmas to celebrate good governance day.
There were media reports that the Center has issued circular to schools to celebrate the birthdays of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 25th of this month by observing it as good governance day.