Panaji: Congress in Goa on Tuesday criticised the Centre over the issue of Navodya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) asking all its schools to observe December 25 as 'Good Governance Day', stating that the move might cause discord among communities.

In a circular on December 10, the Samiti had asked the deputy commissioners to ensure that 'Good Governance Day' was celebrated at all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) on December 25 with action taken to be communicated to the commissioner's office.

Congress' Goa spokesman Sunil Kawthankar said the move might cause a communal discord in the state.

"This is a purposeful move to undermine the importance of Christmas in the country. This will trigger communal discord in the state," he said at a press meet.

Senior Congress leaders Agnelo Fernandes and legislator Pandurang Madkaikar were also present on the occasion.

Terming it a "Gujarat model", Fernandes said that the Centre is testing the waters by sending the circular only to Navodaya Vidyalayas.

"If they find there is no response from the public, they will implement it in all the schools in the state," the former Calangute legislator alleged.

When pointed out that the day is being observed as the birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Fernandes said, "Vajpayee will never allow such a decision. We have greatest respect for Vajpayee, who would never tolerate such an act."

However, the local unit of BJP refused to comment on the issue.

When asked, BJP Goa spokesman Dr Wilfred Mesquita only said that since he has not seen the circular it was not possible for him to comment on the issue.