Team Herald
MARGAO: In a five-page memorandum, South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes has formally urged Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan to review the decision to start the new academic year in April for government and aided schools in the State. His appeal follows protests from students and parents who argue that the shift is impractical and detrimental to childrens' well-being.
Parents, who recently submitted a memorandum to the MP opposing the change, said their primary concerns include extreme summer heat and inadequate school infrastructure.
“Traditionally, even before Liberation, schools in Goa concluded by the first week of April, allowing students to travel, rest and enjoy time with family before reopening in June with the onset of the monsoon. In Delhi, summer sets in later, and there is extreme heat in June and July – hence, schools begin the academic year in April,” explained Viriato.
"Educationists in our State (Goa) government are blindly following the Centre’s directives, without applying logic. The Goa education department appears defunct, failing to consider the local climate. That’s why I have urged the Union Minister to review this decision," the MP told reporters outside the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Cecille Rodrigues, a parent representative, expressed gratitude for Fernandes’ intervention. "We are thankful that Captain Fernandes has taken up our cause. We hope our voices will be heard and a solution found that prioritizes our children's health, safety, and education."
The parents’ memorandum also criticises the hasty implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in Goa. They argue that stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and school administrators, were not consulted before the calendar shift. Additionally, the Directorate of Education has not adequately oriented schools about the policy changes. The parents are likely to file a second petition before the High Court of Bombay at Goa, challenging the Goa government’s March 28 circular notifying the reopening of schools on April 7.
A critical issue they raise is the lack of essential infrastructure in most schools, many of which lack sufficient washrooms, drinking water stations, and cooling systems. Parents fear that the extreme heat in April could lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses among students. They also point out that schools are ill-equipped to support the vocational and multidisciplinary learning approaches promoted by NEP.
The memorandum flags the increased academic burden resulting from the revised curriculum structure, which, according to them, contradicts NEP 2020’s objective of holistic development. They argue that the shift fails to accommodate enrichment programmes, extracurricular activities, and sports camps that students usually enjoy during the summer break.
S Goa MP objects to Coastal Shipping Bill, suggests tweaks
Team Herald
MARGAO: South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes (INC) has raised serious concerns over the Coastal Shipping Bill 2024, citing excessive discretionary powers, lack of transparency, and hurdles for Indian seafarers.
Speaking in Parliament, Fernandes warned that the bill grants sweeping authority to the Director-General and Central Government, potentially fostering favouritism and undermining transparency. He also criticised the absence of clear criteria for exemptions and penalties, arguing that this could disadvantage smaller operators.
"The lack of independent oversight and transparency in decision-making processes heightens the risk of market distortion," he stated, questioning the Bill's accountability measures.
A key issue raised was the difficulty Indian Deck Officers and Engineers face in obtaining Certificates of Equivalent (COE) when holding foreign competency certificates. Fernandes stressed that amendments were needed to support Goan seafarers. The MP also drew attention to the certification and training obstacles that inland vessel crews encounter when attempting to transition to coastal shipping operations, suggesting these barriers need urgent addressing.