PANJIM: Members of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) were detained after staging a protest at the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) office, in Bambolim, on Monday. The demonstration demanded that the SAG address the non-payment of students, who volunteered during the National Games, with NSUI President Naushad Chaudhari leading the charge.The protesters were later taken to Agasaim police station.
Chaudhari, along with 30 students, visited the SAG office seeking answers from the Executive Director regarding the delayed payments to student volunteers for the National Games. Despite their presence, the Executive Director did not meet with them, prompting the NSUI members to stage a sit-in protest within the SAG office premises.
Police officers present at the scene restrained the NSUI members from meeting the Executive Director, and the situation escalated further. Chaudhari attempted to contact Sports Minister Govind Gaude but received no response, leading him to express strong criticism, labeling the situation as the 'Shah Jahan Scam' involving corruption in both Kala Academy and the National Games.
Chaudhari accused the government of prioritizing expenditures on hospitality for VVIPs, while neglecting the timely release of payments to students, who played a crucial role in the success of the National Games.
NSUI members shouted slogans, terming it the 'Shah Jahan Scam' and condemned what they perceived as the looting of students' dues. The students alleged that they have been waiting for their payments for the last four months, and the government has failed to address their concerns.
In response to the protest, police detained Naushad Chaudhari and other NSUI members. Chaudhari, undeterred, affirmed NSUI's commitment to fight for their rights and promised to continue their efforts for justice.
Some girl students who were present voiced their concern, criticizing the alleged misuse of police force and questioning the democratic principles when students are detained for seeking justice. The situation was tense as the NSUI vowed to persist in their pursuit of fair compensation for the student volunteers.