Ramesh Savaikar
Panaji
The state government’s decision to start the academic year in April, instead of June, has sparked mixed reactions from educators and parents. While some support the move, citing benefits such as increased teaching hours and alignment with the National Education Policy, others express concerns over Goa’s hot climate in April and the lack of infrastructure in schools, such as fans or air conditioning. Still others said that the policy’s effectiveness will depend on proper implementation and infrastructure improvements.
Educationist and Chairman of Ideal High School, Piligao-Bicholim, Ramchandra Garde welcomed the move, stating that the increased working days would help complete 1,200 teaching hours annually.
“Currently, with around 180 working days, teachers struggle to complete the syllabus, affecting the quality of education in government-aided schools,” he said, adding that private schools might gain an advantage due to this situation.
“We have to align with the National Education Policy and focus on delivering quality education to students,” Garde said.
Senior teacher Ramesh Vanskar, however, said there was need for consultations with teachers and parents before implementing such changes.
“April is one of the hottest months in Goa, and many schools lack basic infrastructure like fans or air conditioning. Unlike other states, Goa’s climate should be taken into consideration,” he said.
Another senior teacher, Jyotsna Vaze, was sceptical about the policy’s effectiveness. She said that students and teachers, burdened with paper corrections, need a break before the next academic session.
“Teachers and students are neither prepared nor interested in immediately engaging in the teaching-learning process. The policy may help in syllabus completion, but April’s weather conditions are not favourable, and the intended increase in working hours may not be productive,” she said.
Prof Prakash Savaikar, a senior educationist, supported the government’s decision, stating that both teachers and parents should welcome it. However, he questioned whether students would effectively utilise the extended working hours.
“Teachers have no option but to follow the schedule, but what matters is the actual outcome of these additional hours,” he said, urging the government to take concrete steps to ensure quality education.
Some parents strongly opposed the decision, citing the lack of basic infrastructure in schools. “Many schools do not have Balrath buses, meaning students will have to wait in the scorching heat for public transport. Additionally, most schools lack proper ventilation or fans,” they pointed out, urging the government to reconsider implementing the policy from April 2025.
