Parents opposing April school start to hold public show of strength

Panaji: Parents, representing the group opposing the start of the new academic year from April for Class VI onwards, said on Saturday that they are holding a massive public protest in Panaji soon after the exams are over. The parents said that the final exams of their children are presently under way and they will have a “show of strength” post the exams. It is to convey to govt the scale of opposition against the move from parents across Goa.

The parents have filed a petition before the high court of Bombay at Goa, which will come up for hearing on Monday.

The parents alleged that the directorate of education called teachers for a ‘bridge programme’ to prepare for National Education Policy 2020’s implementation from Class VI onwards. Parents said this shows the lack of preparedness from the DoE’s end to implement NEP. Yet, they said, the state is pushing for an early start to the academic year, stating that it is to implement changes as recommended by NEP.

“We have contacted around 134 schools across Goa, and the school heads are worried. The security personnel are hired on a contract basis and are available only from June to March. What about the security of our children during April? Also, many schools are utilising contract basis teachers, who will also not be available in April,” said Cecille Rodrigues, representing the parents.

She said that schools are also not ready with new academic timetables, among other preparations. Therefore, it is pointless to reopen schools in the scorching summer heat without being sufficiently equipped to teach them effectively.

Earlier, the parents had stated they would boycott classes if the high court allowed the schools to reopen next month.