The child waiters of Punjab village

Chief Minister of Punjab, Parkash Singh Badal recently attended a function at Longowal village, where government school children were made to serve water to those gathered to pay tribute to Sant Harchand Singh Longowal.

It was not a school function, but one organized by the Punjab government. It was in fact a government holiday and schools were closed.

The children said they had to do what their teacher told them. The police have said they will look into the matter and will take action against the teachers if they get a complaint.

The day of the function was hot and humid day, and the students of the local government school, aged between 10 and 14, made to serve water to guests from eight in the morning till four in the evening. They served water to more than 5000 people, under orders from their teacher.

"We have been asked by our teacher to serve water. It is hot but we have to do this job," said Gurmeet, a student.

Sukhwinder Singh, class V student said: "Our teacher told us to come here and serve the people."

Akali leaders say there is nothing wrong in serving water. (Forum: Do you agree)

"If the children are showing obeisance to our Sant and are serving those who have come here, then I don't think there is anything wrong with that," said Prakash Chand Garg, vice president, Shiromani Akali Dal.

"Our culture is that we should serve water in summer. I don't think there is anything wrong in this. We have to teach our children," he said.

The police now say they will investigate and take action against those guilty.
"The investigations are on. We are looking into the matter. Earlier also we have received a similar complaint, and now again. We will investigate and if found guilty, we will take action against the teacher," said Pawan Kanda, DSP, Sangrur.

The irony is that children had security badges on their shirts, signed by the Superintendent of Police of the district.