PANAJI
The Directorate of Education has made it mandatory for all schools in Goa to obtain prior written approval before allowing any external individual, organisation or group to interact with students, deliver lectures, conduct awareness programmes, seminars or organise any other activity on campus, failing which it has warned of disciplinary action against the institutions.
The directive has been issued following a communication from the North Goa District Collector based on inputs from the Superintendent of Police, Special Branch, Panaji, expressing concern over programmes organised by the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) in some educational institutions in Goa.
Director Education Shailesh Zingade in a circular issued said that the security agencies have placed the organisation under scrutiny, citing concerns that its ideology and activities could be detrimental to social harmony and national security. The government said the measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of students and maintaining a neutral, academic environment in schools.
The DoE clarified that imparting communal or sectarian ideology, or conducting activities unrelated to education, is contrary to the provisions of the Goa School Education Act, 1984, and the Goa School Education Rules, 1986.
Under the new guidelines, schools seeking permission to host programmes by external organisations must submit detailed information to the DoE, including the identity of the organisation, names and profiles of speakers, and the complete content or draft of the proposed lecture or programme. Permission will be granted only after scrutiny by the competent authority.
The circular further makes it compulsory for a responsible teacher or faculty member to remain present throughout every approved programme. The designated official will be responsible for ensuring that the content remains within the framework of the school curriculum, constitutional values and public order.
After the event, the head of the institution must submit a report DoE detailing the nature of the programme, the issues discussed and certifying that no objectionable or unauthorised information was imparted to students.
Schools have also been directed to immediately report any suspicious activities by external individuals or organisations to the local police as well as the department. In addition, all educational institutions have been instructed to maintain a separate register recording details of outside visitors and programmes conducted on their premises.
