NT Reporter
Panaji
The Goa School Managements Association (GSMA) has opposed the application of Provident Fund (PF) rules to government-aided secondary and higher secondary schools, citing the financial burden on institutions while also flagging delays in reimbursement by the government.
At its general body meeting held at Farmagudi on Sunday, the association passed a resolution opposing the move. It also decided to submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Shripad Naik, South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes and Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade.
“Since PF contributions had been made compulsory from 2009, each institution could face an additional liability of Rs 10 lakh or more. Managements running more than one school could have to pay around Rs 50 lakh,” it said.
Although the government has assured institutions that the expenditure would be reimbursed through grants, the association expressed concern over delays in payments by the Education Department. It cited delays in the release of grants under the Bal Rath school bus scheme. It said aided school managements already spent substantial amounts from their own resources on infrastructure and faced difficulties raising funds. The additional liability could further strain their finances.
The association also expressed concern that some institutions operating since before Liberation could face closure due to the financial burden. It said the scheme would also impose a liability of crores of rupees on the state exchequer.
GSMA has urged the government not to extend the scheme to
educational institutions.
