Yet another burden has been heaped on schoolchildren with an order from the state government to observe Vigilance Awareness Week from October 29 to November 3. During this week, schools have been asked to give anti-corruption lessons to children. This is to go along with a variety of programmes such as experts' speeches, workshops, and discussions.

Some school principals have been disappointed by the order, because they do not think it is feasible for younger children to learn about corruption and, secondly, because it adds to the increasing non-academic burden on educational institutions. While eradicating corruption and becoming aware of the malaise is laudable, it is time schools are kept away from celebrating this or observing that, as the number of days to be marked has increased exponentially.