A group of parents from various parts of Goa has raised objections to the state government’s plan to start the academic year on April 1, aligning it with CBSE/ICSE schedules. In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Director of Education Shailesh Zingade, they demanded that the government retain the traditional June start for the academic calendar.
While the parents support the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for improving education, they believe its implementation in Goa is rushed and unsuitable for the state’s needs.
Concerns Over the Change in Academic Calendar
The parents questioned the necessity of aligning Goa’s school calendar with CBSE/ICSE, stating that NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023 do not mandate such a shift. According to them, the current system already meets instructional hour requirements without requiring modifications.
They also criticized the government for making this decision without consulting key stakeholders, including schools, teachers, and parents. The memorandum pointed out that the Directorate of Education has not conducted adequate orientation sessions, leaving many educators and parents unaware of the changes.
Heat-Related Health Risks
A major concern is the extreme heat in April. Parents argue that:
- Most schools lack proper cooling facilities, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Frequent power cuts and water shortages will worsen the situation.
- Schools with insufficient sanitation and drinking water facilities could see a rise in dehydration and absenteeism.
Limited Vocational Options and Increased Workload
Parents also highlighted that many schools in Goa have limited vocational subject options, forcing students to take courses they may not be interested in. Additionally, they fear the new schedule will:
- Reduce time for extracurricular activities like sports and skill-based learning, affecting students’ overall development.
- Increase stress and anxiety due to longer school hours and an increased workload.
- Lack clear learning outcomes from SCERT tailored to Goa’s students.
Call for Policy Review
The parents have urged the government to reconsider the decision and conduct stakeholder consultations before implementing any changes. They believe a gradual, well-planned approach is necessary to align with NEP 2020 while ensuring students’ well-being.
