The department has received a number of applications seeking permission to commence schools in different mediums from the coming academic year. “The results of all schools are declared by April 30, hence we will decide on these applications before this date,” a senior official in the education department said.
Amidst a heated debate on grants given to English medium primary schools with Goa government caught in a tight spot between BBSM and FORCE, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar recently spoke of looking into the feasibility before permitting new English medium primary schools.
As he played safe on the controversial issue, Parsekar stated that applications submitted within the deadline and valid could be considered for permission as the government cannot deny any child the right to education.
On the other hand, the government annually appeals to educational institutions to start Marathi or Konkani medium primary schools for which financial assistance would be provided. Similarly, existing English medium primary unaided schools can also switch over to Marathi or Konkani medium and avail this assistance.
The government is already giving a one-time grant of Rs 12 lakh to new schools imparting education in the mother tongue, besides an annual grant of Rs 1 lakh each for the next five years in order to improve infrastructure and build resources in the school.
