Team Herald
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Friday ruled out setting up a new Grievance Redressal Institution or appointment of Ombudsman for educational institutions stating that adequate mechanism is in place to address all issues including of admission and sexual harassment related to students.
“All government colleges and professional colleges are governed by the ordinances, rules and regulations framed by the Goa University. The Goa University has its own statutory bodies, having adequate representation of school/college management, teachers, parents and students,” Parsekar said.
“However, if state felt the need to set up such ombudsman institution, we can very well consider,” he added.
Parsekar, also the Education minister was replying to the private member resolution tabled by Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte, who recommended that government appoint an ombudsman for education on the lines of an ombudsman appointed for the administration.
Highlighting the various problems faced by students from admission, to dropping out, to sexual harassment, the MLA demanded that a retired judge be appointed who can play the crucial role between school/college management and students and parents in resolving their grievances.
The resolution was later withdrawn following the assurance from the Chief Minister.
In another announcement, Deputy Chief Minister and minister for Health Francis D’Souza announced commissioning of a new primary health centre at Chimbel, to cater to that section of Tiswadi taluka.
