PM event: Schools shut, college to close by noon in Margao today

The Goa government Monday announced that colleges in South Goa’s Margao will close by noon on Tuesday in view of PM Narendra Modi’s visit. The government further ‘requested’ the principals of colleges in Margao to depute students from their institutions to attend the PM’s meeting in Margao.

A circular issued Monday by the Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa, said: “In view of the visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 06/02/2024, all the colleges in Margao shall be closed by 12 pm. In this connection, principals are requested to depute the students of their respective institutions to Margao KTC bus stand by 1 pm to attend the PM’s meeting.”

The NSUI’s Goa unit condemned the notification. Naushad Chowdhari, NSUI’s Goa president, said, “We appeal to the directorate of higher education to immediately withdraw this notification. This is a misuse of government machinery. The government is saying that it is compulsory for college students to attend the public meeting. The students are welcome to attend, but there should be no compulsion.” Last week, the government had announced all schools in Margao would be closed on February 6.