Panaji: Hours after issuing the SOP for upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival, Goa government on Tuesday withdrew it, claiming that it was released erroneously.
State chief minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday told reporters that the SOP, which was issued, earlier during the day, stands withdrawn respecting the sentiments of the people
“The guidelines of the Experts’ Committee (on COVID-19 restrictions) were circulated as the SOP by mistake,” he said adding that the SOP stands withdrawn and new guidelines “need not be issued” as currently state is already undergoing COVID-19 curbs.
“We don’t have to issue new SOP as the guidelines to curb COVID-19 are in place. I appeal people to follow those guidelines,” he said.
The SOP which was issued earlier had banned the Priests from visiting houses, while advising the people to opt for online Pooja. “I understand the sentiments of the people. Everyone wants Priest to come to their place and perform rituals,” he said.
The chief minister said that the people should celebrate with precaution so that there is no spread of COVID-19 disease.
