Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 15: The Goa government's Directorate of Education has directed all educational institutions in the state to obtain prior written approval before allowing any external individual, organisation or group to conduct seminars, lectures or interactions with students.

The directive, issued through a circular last week, said the move was aimed at safeguarding the academic environment and ensuring that activities conducted on campuses do not adversely affect students or public order.

The order follows a communication from the office of the North Goa District Magistrate, based on a report submitted by the Superintendent of Police, Special Branch, Panaji, expressing concerns over the activities of the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO).

According to the July 6 circular, the police report raised concerns regarding the organisation's ideological influence and activities, which it said were perceived to be "potentially anti-social and anti-national in nature."

The circular further stated that the report indicated SIO had been organising programmes in educational institutions across Goa and cited certain incidents in support of its observations.

It added that the police had emphasised the need for vigilance and timely intervention to prevent any adverse impact on national security and communal harmony.

In view of the report, the Directorate of Education instructed all schools and educational institutions that no external individual, organisation or group should be permitted to conduct any seminar, lecture or student interaction without obtaining prior written approval from the department.

The government said the measure is intended to ensure appropriate oversight of activities conducted within educational campuses.