Team Herald
PANJIM/ MARGAO:
Parents across Goa have voiced strong opposition to the decision to start the new academic year in April 2025, citing concerns
over student well-being, teacher workload and inconsistencies in the implementation of the National Education Policy
(NEP) 2020.
On Monday, a delegation of parents met Director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Meghana Shetgaonkar, urging the government to shift the academic year’s start date back to June.
They pointed out that final exams are set to conclude on March 28, leaving students with just three days before the new session begins. Parents emphasised that this schedule denies students much-needed time to relax, pursue extracurricular activities and spend time with family.
"The decision to start school in April contradicts the NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023," said Alex Rodrigues, a parent from Margao.
Another concerned parent, Ratna Naik from Navelim, highlighted the mental strain on students. "A break between academic years is crucial for students to recharge. The authorities’ sudden decision is causing unnecessary distress," she stated.
Anita Fernandes from Assolna highlighted the autonomy granted to schools under NEP. “The education department cannot impose regulations on schools as the NEP gives complete autonomy to school authorities to determine the curriculum and assessment methods within the framework of the National Curriculum Framework,” she asserted.
The Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan (GRLA) has also supported the parents’ demands, particularly with regard to school schedules and the NEP’s stance on local language education.
GRLA President Kennedy Afonso pointed out, "NEP encourages education in the mother tongue or local dialect until the fifth standard. It also promotes subject flexibility, allowing students to explore multiple fields of interest."