Team Herald
PANJIM: Amidst the ongoing debate over poor internet speed and connectivity across the State, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Thursday said that conducting ‘online classes’ for students is not compulsory for schools and that the government will soon take a call on resuming regular classes for the academic year 2020-21.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the ceremony to mark Goa Revolution Day, Sawant said public opposition to setting up of mobile towers has resulted in poor network connections in several parts of the State, which is a major hindrance in the way of online education.
“In some parts of Goa, in some aided and unaided schools, online classes have been started. In some places online education, via internet, may not be feasible, because of poor connectivity,” Sawant said.
“There will be complaints about online education, because we need to create the infrastructure needed for it. People are the cause for this. There has been opposition for setting up of mobile towers. You oppose mobile towers one side and on the other side you complain about poor internet connectivity,” the Chief Minister stated.
Stating that no decision has been taken with regards to re-opening of schools for the new academic year, Sawant said he is more concerned about students, who would be answering their board exams for Class X and Class XII in this coming term. “A solution will be found soon in some days. We will take a decision to resume regular classes,” he said.
He added, “The pandemic has spread throughout the country and the state as well. In Goa too, cases have seen an increase in a big way. In view of this, we have not taken a call on when to start schools.”
Meanwhile, Sawant along with Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik paid tribute to martyrs on the occasion of Goa Revolution Day at the Martyrs Memorial, Azad Maidan, Panjim.
Goa Revolution Day is observed every year on June 18 to recall the clarion call given by Dr Ram Manohar Lohia to the people of Goa to fight colonial rule and liberate Goa from the Portuguese regime. This call inspired many Goans which ultimately resulted in the Liberation of Goa on December 19, 1961. The day is also observed to recall the sacrifices of known and unknown freedom fighters of the freedom struggle movement of Goa.
