Panaji: A holiday for all schools in the state was declared for July 4 by the directorate of education in view of the alert for heavy rainfall by the IMD. The circular said that the holiday is applicable for students as well as teachers. However, teachers deputed for any ongoing training programmes will have to report for the same, it said.“In view of the incessant rain and alert issued by the IMD, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, and keeping in mind the safety of students, it is decided to declare a holiday on July 4 for all schools in Goa. Further, the students are advised to stay indoors and avoid venturing into risky areas such as flooded streets, riversides, and other potentially hazardous locations,” the circular said.The holiday is applicable to all govt, aided and unaided schools from the foundational stage to the higher secondary school level.