Team Herald
PONDA: Parents in Ponda have voiced their support for the National Education Policy (NEP) but strongly opposed the commencement of the academic year in April, citing concerns over the extreme summer heat and its potential health hazards for students.
Gathering in Ponda, parents emphasised the necessity of a break or holiday period for students after their examinations to prevent fatigue and heat-related illnesses. They suggested that schools should commence only after mid-May or June, coinciding with the cooler monsoon season, rather than in the peak summer months.
Expressing fears that the heat wave could intensify in the coming days, parents have urged authorities to postpone the implementation of the NEP by at least a year until schools are equipped with air conditioning and proper ventilation systems.
Miland Soares stated, “A break is essential for both students and parents. The government must consider our request in the interest of children.”
Dr Ketan Bhatikar elaborated on the parents' concerns, saying, “Parents are not opposing the NEP itself, but rather the decision to start schools in April. There are two main reasons for this: the extreme heat wave and the need for a break for students’ mental well-being.”
He pointed out that secondary school examinations will conclude on March 28, after which students would be required to return to school almost immediately in April. “At present, in Goa, people of all ages—from children to the elderly—are suffering due to the heat wave. Moreover, government schools lack air conditioning or proper ventilation to help students cope with the rising temperatures,” he added.
Dr Bhatikar also highlighted the psychological strain on both students and parents during the exam period. “Not only do students experience stress, but parents also undergo anxiety during examinations. A break is necessary for relaxation and recuperation. It is unfortunate that students will be expected to resume academic activities just two or three days after their exams,” he stated.
He urged Chief Minister and education officials to reconsider the decision, asserting that a break after exams allows students to engage in extracurricular activities and explore new interests. “Many parents had already planned and booked trips for their children’s post-exam break. This is not just a luxury—it is a necessity,” he stressed.