Constant power failures throughout Goa are causing headaches and creating problems during the monsoons. Canacona is no different. The worst sufferers during these power cuts or failures are the students who depend totally on electricity. Parents along with the school headmasters and teachers in Canacona are worried over these constant power failures.
Engineering student Omkar Naik says that students pursuing professional courses can’t fulfill their academic commitments and also cannot complete their daily schedule due to the erratic power supply.
According to Reshama Acharya, a Computer teacher, the constant power failure has affected the learning since the schools that are equipped with overhead projectors cannot function and she has to explain everything on the blackboard.
“Daily computer training classes are also affected in schools that do not have generators and UPS. When there is no power, there is no Internet access,” Acharya said.
Government has provided laptops, tabs and computers to the students but what is the use when there is no regular power supply, wondered teacher Manoj Naik Gaonkar.
A Cookery teacher Jovita Fernandes says it is impossible to teach and use the cooking room when there is no power as the frozen items are spoilt.
Shivanand Dessai, President of South Goa Headmasters Association, had this to say after speaking to some students on the power failures. “Their main problem is they are not able to study after nightfall. The areas that have the most frequent power outages include Cotigao, Nadkem, Chapolim and even the Canacona Municipality areas.”
Ironically the general body meeting of the association at Shri Mallikarjun High School, Canacona on Wednesday was conducted without power, Dessai said.
According another teacher Mahesh Bhagat battery powered lamps are very expensive for Canacona students who are economically backward. He said they are forced to use candlelight which is not a very good option.
