Ludhiana, Sept. 13 -- The education department has directed all government schools across Ludhiana district to register at least 50% of their students for the ongoing Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan.

According to the department, Ludhiana district has been given a target of one lakh registrations, while the state has set a target of 10 lakh participants this season. The state had recorded participation of up to five lakh athletes in previous editions.

Teachers, however, have alleged that the focus has shifted from encouraging students to participate to meeting the registration targets set by the administration. They said schools were being asked to ensure registrations despite a shortage of sports staff and facilities, while teachers were alre...