The Punjab Government has started distributing free textbooks to nearly 18 lakh students of government schools, packed in biodegradable carry bags featuring a sketch of CM Bhagwant Mann.The Opposition Congress and teachers’ bodies have termed it an attempt to “politicise education” as the sketch colours are the same used by ruling AAP in its party flags.The bags, printed in ruling AAP’s signature blue and yellow colours, carry the image of the Chief Minister in a yellow turban along with a ‘Sikhya Kranti’ logo. The initiative is being projected by the government as an improvement over the earlier practice of tying textbooks with plastic threads.Though Education Minister Harjot Bains did not respond to calls, a government functionary said there was nothing wrong in it, as it gives a sense of belonging to the students.“Earlier, students used to get textbooks tied in plastic thread. Now, we are nicely packing them in biodegradable carry bags under the Sikhya Kranti initiative,” said officials.Officials added that the bags were meant to give students “a sense of belonging”. There are over 22 lakh students from Class 1 to 12 who receive free textbooks annually. While biodegradable carry bags are being given to students up to Class 10, specially designed school bags are being provided to around 3.60 lakh students of Classes 11 and 12.Senior Congress leader and Jalandhar Cantonment MLA Pargat Singh said, “Earlier the AAP government painted school buildings in yellow and blue colours. Now, they are putting pictures of the CM on biodegradable carry bags. Instead of this, they should focus on providing teachers and a proper study environment.” Vikram Dev, president of the Democratic Teachers’ Front, said, “Putting up pictures of the CM on school bags should not be done. Schools should be run based on educational concepts and not political motives.