An 18-page booklet detailing the life and political careers of Kanshiram and Mayawati is being sent to all education offices to be distributed to teachers. The tutors are expected to ‘educate’ the students and then conduct essay competitions on the topic ‘Kanshiram’s contribution to Indian Society’.

The competitions will first be conducted at the district level, then the divisional level and will finally culminate at a state competition on March 15 ¿ Kanshiram’s birthday.

The booklets and notification is still to reach schools but teachers are already opposing it, claiming that it is sheer politicisation of education. “Kanshiram is a political figure rather than a national icon. We will not accept such a decision. If someone wants to conduct such a competition, it can be held privately but not enforced upon us,” said R P Mishra, a teacher.

He added: “Our teachers will revolt against any such competition because tomorrow some other party will rule the state and plan their propaganda through competitions in schools.”

Education officers refused to comment on the issue, saying they had done whatever they were asked to do. “We have got orders to conduct competitions at district, divisional and state levels and will do so accordingly,” said an official.