I agree with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar that the managements of several aided institutions in Goa recruit their relatives or favourites as teachers which has led to the sacrifice of quality education in our schools at the altar of nepotism. Whether it is the private sector, public sector or even families many times only the blue eyed boys and girls make it to the top. The level of nepotism may differ from sector to sector. But nepotism is an evil which deprives a capable individual of a great life time opportunity. Nepotism is like a dangerous virus which has affected the growth and development of our country. For instance defeated, loyal and retired politicians are many times rewarded with lucrative positions like Governors of States in our country. Many times individuals who do not possess the required technical knowledge and experience in the respective field are handpicked to head corporations or government departments due to their loyalty.
St Don Bosco said, “Education is a matter of the heart.” Individuals who can touch the hearts of children and guide them to walk on the path of success in life need to be recruited as teachers and not those who prefer a half-day job. Some headmasters and headmistresses will defend their teachers by saying that their teachers are doing an excellent job. I agree with Parrikar that if the level of teaching is poor, one can’t blame the students for their poor performance. But closing aided private schools with poor scores is not the alternative.
Aided schools in Goa have done an excellent job in promoting learning and development in the villages. Some of the aided schools have the best leadership. The government needs to frame policies and guidelines which need to be implemented by the respective head of schools to improve the quality of teaching. There must be a compulsory evaluation and rating of teachers every year. The teachers must be rated for their performance as far below expectations, below expectations, meets expectations, exceeds expectations and far exceeds expectations. Good performance by the students in academics and sports must be made a key result area for the teachers.
If we all work to eradicate the evil of nepotism from the educational system in our state, Goa’s future will be bright as its future citizens, our children will create thunders and wonders in life.
