Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today announced all schools will remain closed on September 10 (Monday) on account of Bharat bandh call given by the Congress protesting the steep rise in fuel price.

State’s School and Mass Education Department Principal Secretary Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra told reporters here.

“In view of the Bharat bandh call given by Congress, all schools (private and government) will remain closed on Monday to ensure the safety of students,” Mohapatra said.

Earlier, the State government has directed all district collectors to ensure maintenance of essential services. The officers and staff of various government offices have been asked to reach office by on Monday by 9.30 am.

Notably, the Congress party has called for Bharat Bandh in order to highlight the Rs 11 lakh crore fuel loot, to demand that there should be immediate reduction in central excise duty and excessive VAT in the states, and that petrol and diesel be brought within GST so that the common man whose budget has gone haywire are provided the much-needed relief, senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala had told media in a presser yesterday.

Bandh will be observed between 9 AM to 2.30-3 PM.