UPDATE: The

government has denied reports that primarily schools will remain open on Sunday, September 17, to celebrate

's birthday.

"There is no proposal with the state government to keep

open on Sunday 17 September," said a tweet from UP government.

रविवार 17 सितम्बर, 2017 को प्रदेश के प्राथमिक विद्यालयों को खोले जाने का कोई प्रस्ताव राज्य सरकार के स्तर पर विचाराधीन नहीं है। — Government of UP (@UPGovt) 1504882995000

The Yogi government's clarification came in response to media reports that students will have to attend schools on September 17, even though it is Sunday, to celebrate PM Modi's birthday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday will be celebrated at all primary schools across Uttar Pradesh on September 17. For this, the schools are to stay open on the day, which is a Sunday, and it has been made mandatory for all students to attend the celebrations.Minister of state for basic education (independent charge) Anupma Jaiswal said that about 1.60 lakh government primary schools across the state will celebrate the PM’s birthday. “MLAs who have adopted schools in their region will go there and promote PM Modi’s message of cleanliness as a part of the celebrations,” she added.Jaiswal said that Modi’s dream of a ‘ Swachh Bharat ’ could only be achieved by helping create awareness about cleanliness among children. “This will be the best gift to the PM on his birthday. Sweets will also be distributed among the students. The motive behind MLAs adopting schools in their areas is to ensure community participation in an effective monitoring system,” she said.BJP state spokesperson Chandramohan said Modi was an inspiration for all. “He is a perfect icon for children because he has led a life full of hardship and today he is the most powerful man in the world's largest democracy,” he said, adding that the birthday celebrations at schools would be a significant effort at promoting cleanliness and awareness about it among children.Recently, the Union ministry of human resource development sent a directive to all higher education institutions to observe ‘cleanliness fortnight’ from September 1 to 15. Vice chancellors have been asked to undertake related activities in their universities and also ensure the participation of affiliated colleges. The state education department has also directed schools to observe the fortnight.According to the UGC’s day-wise action plan , students have to observe ‘clean campus day’ on day one, ‘clean hostel day’ on day two and ‘green campus day’ and ‘clean mess day’ on the next two days. The students will have to visit slums and nearby villages to explain the concept of cleanliness, said officials.The government has also announced a nationwide essay competition on ‘What I can do for a clean India’, as well as a short film competition. The last date for entries to these competitions is September 8. The winning entries from the institute-level essay competition and members of the film clubs may be asked to participate in the competitions proposed by the ministry of drinking water and sanitation.