PANJIM: The All Goa Secondary School Teachers Association (AGSSTA) has raised strong objection to the government decision to curtail the Diwali and Christmas vacations, to make up the number of working days for the Academic Year 2020-21.
As per the circular issued by the Directorate of Education, the Diwali vacation is restricted to 12 days from November 9 to 20, as against annual 21 days. The Christmas break is from December 24 to 31; as against the earlier dates of December 24 to January 2, 2021.
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In a memorandum submitted to the Director of Education Santosh Amonkar, AGSSTA has demanded to credit Earned Leave on the account of teachers equal in number to that of vacation curtailed or to allow teachers to work from home till the reopening of schools.
The teachers have also demanded to cancel the entire vacation and to extend the Leave Rules applicable to other employees/non-teaching staff to teaching staff.
The association said that the sole purpose of working days is not been served through the circular since the teachers are on duty in schools since June 4, and also contrary to the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines.
“The teachers are entitled for the vacation, as unlike other employees, the teachers are neither entitled for 30 days of Earned Leave nor for any sick leave. The provision of vacation is as per the Education Act and it cannot be curtailed by circulars,” AGSSTA said.
