Calangute: BJP Calangute MLA Michael Lobo called on the state government to change the medium of instruction in government primary schools to English, emphasising that this shift is essential for their continued viability.
“Let’s not bring politics into education—Goa’s official language can remain unchanged,” he said, adding that the state’s plan to hand over these schools to NGOs should be reconsidered, and instead, the government should utilise its existing pool of qualified teachers to implement English-medium education.
“Even migrant families have stopped enrolling their children in government primary schools due to the current medium of instruction. As a result, the significant investment in upgrading school infrastructure is going to waste due to a lack of students,” he said while paying tributes to Goa’s first Chief Minister, Dayanand ‘Bhausaheb’ Bandodkar on his birth anniversary celebration at Calangute.
Lobo said that while adopt English as the medium of instruction, Konkani or Marathi should be kept as compulsory subjects.
He credited Bandodkar for establishing government primary schools in Goa to provide education for Goans and their children.
“Instead of handing over these schools to NGOs, the government should resolve this issue once and for all. With 33 MLAs in the government, we have the opportunity to act now. We have qualified teachers on board, and they should be fully utilised to run these schools in English. This will ensure the survival of the schools initiated by Bandodkar. Let’s at least give it a try and see the results,” he added.
Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said Bandodkar worked for the welfare of Goans, and the tribute was a mark of gratitude and respect for the late leader.
Panch Jaynath Parulekar, members of Dayanand Bandodkar Samithi Committee and other dignitaries were present.
