PANAJI
The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), Goa Zone, on Thursday strongly condemned the Directorate of Education’s recent circular restricting interactions by the organisation in educational institutions, calling it defamatory and legally untenable while warning of legal action if it is not withdrawn.
In a statement issued by State Secretary Shaikh Aftab Hussein, SIO objected to the circular’s description of the organisation as being “perceived to be potentially anti-social and anti-national in nature”, terming the allegation “sweeping and unsubstantiated”.
The organisation maintained that it is a legally functioning nationwide student body with a transparent presence in colleges, universities and communities across the country. It said its activities focus on educational empowerment, academic excellence, social responsibility and democratic participation.
SIO further alleged that the circular amounts to an attack on democratic values, academic freedom and freedom of expression guaranteed under the Constitution. It argued that educational institutions benefit from engagement with scholars, civil society organisations, professionals and public intellectuals, and cautioned against treating every external organisation or speaker as a potential threat.
Calling for the immediate withdrawal of what it termed “defamatory references” against the organisation, SIO urged the government and the department to revoke the circular.
The organisation warned that if the circular is not withdrawn, it will be compelled to pursue appropriate legal action to safeguard its constitutional rights and reputation.
The Directorate of Education had recently made prior approval mandatory for programmes organised by the Students Islamic Organisation of India and other external agencies or speakers in educational institutions, citing security concerns.
