PANJIM: The Directorate of Higher Education on Wednesday relieved acting principal of Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye Government College of Arts and Commerce, Pernem, Prof Filipe Rodrigues e Melo, and repatriated him to his parent institution - St Xavier’s College, Mapusa following a row over permission for performing Saraswati poojan in college premises.
The college internal committee had denied permission to students for Saraswati poojan in the college hall stating that such religious practices were not allowed in the government colleges. However, the students council affiliated to ABVP went ahead and performed Saraswati poojan in the corridor on Saturday.
When contacted, Director of Higher Education Bhushan Savaikar said that Prof Rodrigues e Melo was relieved on completion of his deputation.
''He (Prof Rodrigues e Melo) was from a government-aided college. He was brought on deputation to Government College, Pernem. His term was over, therefore we relieved him,'' Savaikar told O Heraldo.
Meanwhile, by another order, the Directorate of Higher Education appointed Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola, Prof Pravina Kerkar as officiating principal of Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye Government College of Arts and Commerce, Pernem.