New education director blocks Baba Ramdev's rally

Updated on: Wednesday, December 07, 2011

In an issue that is threatening to stir up controversy, the management of Multipurpose High School, Gogol, refused permission for holding the Baba Ramdev's Goa Bachao rally at the school grounds on Saturday, December 10.

The organizers, who had already got the clearances from the various departments such as the Margao Municipal Council, traffic police, fire and emergency services, were shocked and rushed to the school on Tuesday after being intimated by the school management.

Director of education Anil Powar told mediapersons that the school management had no say in this matter and he was not aware if other government authorities (such as district collectorate) had given permissions. "We've advised the school not to give their premises to such bodies after what happened to an event organized by Baba Ramdev in New Delhi earlier this year," added Powar. Sources said that the management of the school was merely following instructions.

The principal informed the organizers that his 'higher authorities had asked the school not to give their premises for the event'. "A week ago we had submitted an application to the school to book the ground. As per procedure, we just have to write to the school to book the premises on a particular day," said Rama Naik, Goa Bachao organizing committee member. "We have planned to go to the directorate of education (DoE) tomorrow (Wednesday) to find a solution as we have already made all the arrangements," said Naik.

On Monday evening the organizers had a meeting with the Margao town police and the traffic police to discuss traffic arrangements, crowd management, sound restrictions and other issues, said police sources.

Times of India

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