Menu Close

Goa Education Dept withdraws circular regulating external activities in schools

Circular rolled back under pressure from SIO and opposition parties

Panaji, Goa – A few days ago, the Education Department of the Government of Goa issued strict guidelines regarding programs organised by the ‘Students Islamic Organisation of India’ (SIO) and other external organisations in schools and colleges. Opposition parties and groups including Goa Forward, SIO, and Congress protested against this circular, demanding its revocation. Following the pushback, the Directorate of Education issued a new circular on 17 July, announcing the withdrawal of the previous order.

In light of SIO’s growing activities, the Education Department had previously directed that any external organisation must obtain prior permission from the competent authority before holding an event in a school or college. The police had also expressed concerns regarding certain SIO events in educational institutions, stating they could adversely affect the academic environment. It was against this backdrop that the original circular was issued.

However, Goa Forward MLA Vijai Sardesai opposed the circular, calling it a curb on freedom of expression within educational institutions. The SIO also protested, terming the move antisocial and anti-national. Ultimately, after the Education Department withdrew the circular, MLA Vijai Sardesai welcomed the government’s decision, calling it a victory for the citizens.

Under whose pressure did the Education Department withdraw the decision? – Nitin Phaldesai, International Bajrang Dal, Goa

Nitin Phaldesai, President of International Bajrang Dal (Goa), stated that withdrawing the guidelines that made prior permission mandatory for programs by external entities, organisations, or individuals in schools raises serious questions about the government’s stance.

He said, “This decision was taken in the interest of students, to maintain a safe academic environment in schools, and to ensure necessary oversight on external interference. Why then did the government roll it back within just a few days? The government must clarify under whose pressure it caved. Schools should not become platforms for any kind of ideological, political, or religious propaganda. What is the motive of those opposing the vetting of external organizations and speakers? It is unfortunate that pressure tactics are being prioritized over the welfare of students.”

Government must reconsider its decision – Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti

The Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti stated that the activities of the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) in various educational institutions are a matter of grave concern. According to the committee, the SIO organised ‘Masjid Darshan’ programs in some schools across Goa, where Hindu students were taken to mosques and involved in activities like wearing burqas, offering namaz, and performing wuzu (ablution).

The Samiti further cited a recent incident from Hyderabad two days ago, where a Muslim teacher assigned homework asking Hindu students to write down the ‘Kalma’. They emphasised that the recurrence of such incidents is alarming. To prevent any radical, anti-national, or anti-social ideologies from taking root among students, restricting the entry of such organisations was necessary. The Samiti called it unfortunate that the government backed down following opposition by certain parties for political gains, demanding that the government reconsider its decision and strictly disallow activities that create religious tension in schools. 

Goa Education Department issues strict guidelines for activities by external organisations in schools 

July 17, 2026

Move follows security concerns regarding the activities of the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) flagged by Goa Police 

Panaji, Goa – The Goa Education Department has issued guidelines through a circular regarding the granting of permission for programmes of the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) or similar organisations in schools. The ideology and actions of the Students Islamic Organisation of India have been found to be anti-social and anti-national. Therefore, this organisation is under the surveillance of security agencies and the police across Goa and the country. Steps have been taken from a national security perspective to curb the dissemination of this organisation’s ideology.

This circular has been issued based on a letter received by the Directorate of Education from the North Goa District Collector. 

The Goa Police Special Branch has expressed concern regarding programmes of the Students Islamic Organisation of India in some educational institutions in the State. They have noted that such activities have the potential to endanger national security and social harmony.  

November memorandum by Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti

Earlier, on 18 November 2025, the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti had submitted a memorandum to the Director of Education Shri. Shailesh Zingade and the Director of Higher Education Directorate Shri. Bhushan Sawaiker seeking an immediate ban on the activities of the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) in educational institutions across the state. The SIO is the student wing of the banned radical organisation Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. 

Guidelines given in the circular

  • It is mandatory for any external person, institution, or organisation to obtain prior written permission from the competent authority before interacting with students, conducting lectures, discussions, awareness programmes, or any other activities.
  • Imparting communal teachings in schools or conducting activities unrelated to education is against the provisions of the Goa School Education Act 1984 and Rules 1986.
  • If any suspicious activities by external persons or institutions are noticed in schools, the information should be immediately given to the local police and the Directorate of Education. Also, all schools must maintain a separate register for external visitors and organised programmes.
  • A responsible teacher or professor from the concerned school must be present during every permitted programme. It is their responsibility to ensure that the topics of the programme remain within the framework of constitutional values and public order.
  • The departmental officers of the Directorate of Education will periodically check the implementation of these instructions, and disciplinary action will be taken against institutions violating the rules. 

Ban SIO activities in Goa educational institutions, demands Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti

November 19, 2025

Memorandum flags security concerns and misuse of counselling sessions.

Submitting the memorandum to Shri. Shailesh Zingade, Director of Education.

Panaji, Goa : The Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti has appealed to the Goa Education Department to immediately ban the activities of the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) in educational institutions across the State. The Samiti submitted a formal memorandum to Shri. Shailesh Zingade, Director of Education, and Shri. Bhushan Sawaiker, Director of the Directorate of Higher Education, on 18th November.

The memorandum stated that since the Central Government has already banned the radical organisation Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, its student wing, Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) should also be prohibited from conducting any programmes on educational campuses in Goa.

The delegation included Shri. Satyavijay Naik of the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti; Shri. Devidas Govker of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti; Shri. Jayesh Thali, Secretary of the Gomantak Mandir Mahasangh; Shri. Sujan Naik and Shri. Vinod Warkhandkar of Goa Hindu Yuva Shakti; Shri. Ramdas Savaiverekar of the Bharat Mata Ki Jai organisation.

According to the memorandum, SIO representatives have been approaching several educational institutions in Goa with proposals for sessions on ‘Student Challenges’, ‘Ethical Values’, and ‘Responsible Citizenship’. Investigations by national agencies have reported links between SIO and the Turkish Youth Federation (TUGVA), which it described as a serious national security concern.

The memorandum further referenced an incident from February, in which SIO reportedly took Hindu students from Keshav Smruti School (Dabolim–Vasco) and Baina Government High School to a mosque without administrative permission and conducted a workshop there. The matter surfaced after parents objected, following which the Vishwa Hindu Parishad lodged strong protests and the respective educational institutions took action.

The Samiti expressed concern that organisations such as SIO attempt to spread radical ideologies among students under the guise of counselling, personality development, or value-based programmes.

Citing the terrorist module exposed after the Delhi bomb blast, the Samiti said that attempts to target youth are increasing, and therefore sensitive subjects, especially mental health and counselling must be handled only by qualified and certified professionals.

Read more on Hindu Organisations

Latest News