Bhubaneswar: The state government has declared a holiday for all government and private educational institutions across the state today in view of the nation-wide bandh called by several political outfits against demonetization.
The decision has been taken for the safety and security of the students, said a notification issued from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO)on Sunday. Besides, the Home department has directed all district collectors to keep a close eye on law and order situation during the protest. All government officers have been asked to reach their respective offices by 9.30 am.
Notably, the Congress and five Left parties, including the CPI, the CPI (M), the CPI (M)L, the SUCI and the Forward Bloc will stage separate demonstrations across the state today. Odisha Congress chief Prasad Harichandan had on Sunday said the party would organise Jana Akrosh rallies across the state. However, the ruling BJD will not join the Bharat Bandh.
In a related development, the state government postponed the half-yearly examinations of classes VI to IX that were were scheduled to held today to December 1 in view of the bandh. Authorities of the Utkal University here have also cancelled all examinations which were scheduled to begin today. As per the Controller of Examinations of the varsity, rescheduling of the examinations would be announced through a notice later.