PONDA: The Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)of six Government Primary Schools (GPSs) at Priol fear that with the sudden starting of an alleged illegal private primary school, all six GPSs, which were functioning for the past 50 to 60 years, may face closure.
The parents of all the six GPSs, which were started by first Chief Minister late Dayanand Bandodkar, gathered on Monday at Mardol ground and urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to close the alleged illegal private primary school in Veling-Priol-Cuncoliem panchayat limits.
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They displayed placards demanding that the six GPSs be saved from closure.
Presently there are 121 students studying in spruced up six GPSs which impart quality education through competent teachers.
They condemned the attempt of privatisation of primary education/ schools. The PTA members said since the past one year they are fighting and protesting against the starting of primary school in the panchayat area, but still the private primary school is operating and the government has failed to shut it down despite several complaints lodged with the Directorate of Education.
The PTA members said when there are six GPSs which are renovated and running well with sufficient students and qualified teachers, there is no need to encourage private schools in their panchayat area.
The parents alleged that the private school management is trying to convince them to move their children from the GPSs and admit them in the private school. So far, 13 students from the GPSs have been admitted in the private primary school much to the chagrin of these parents.
The parents said whether it is a legal or illegal private school, they will not allow any school in their area because the government primary schools are fully equipped providing a strong educational base and nurturing students.
The parents appealed to the Chief Minister to immediately close the alleged illegal primary school in Veling-Priol-Cuncoliem panchayat jurisdiction.
The parents and villagers have signed a memorandum demanding to close down the private primary school and have submitted the same to the Directorate of Education.
They fear that if the GPSs shut, then the poor parents will not be able to send their children to private schools.
