Bhubaneswar: Taking note of Bharat Bandh call given by several opposition parties including the Congress tomorrow to protest against the Centre's demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, the Odisha government today asked the district collectors to stay on alert to avert any untoward incident.
“I am directed to say that it is reported in the press that some political parties would observe a bandh on November 28 in protest against the demonetisation as announced by the Central government. It is apprehended that they may stop vehicular traffic, rail traffic and close down business establishments and picket before all government offices, banks and educational institutions etc. You are, therefore, requested to take all preventive measures to maintain law and order and to ensure maintenance of essential services in the district. You are also requested to ask the officers and staff to come to office by 9.30 AM positively,” said senior IPS officer and special secretary, Home, Lalit Das, in a letter to all district collectors today.
Meanwhile, apprehending untoward incidents during Bharat Bandh, the state government, in a release in the late evening, announced closure of all government and private educational institutions tomorrow.
The decision has been taken for the safety and security of the students as the bandh call is given by several political parties, a release issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.
In view of the Bharat Bandh call, authorities of the Utkal University today cancelled all examinations which were scheduled tomorrow.
As informed by the Controller of Examinations, Utkal University, rescheduling of the examination would be announced through a notice later.