PANJIM: Student’s Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) on Monday expressed concern over the education scenario in Goa raising questions over implementation of the no detention policy. The organisation also said that lack of teachers in schools has hampered the quality of education.
Addressing the media, SIO National President, Nahas Mala said, “The reason behind the inclusion of no detention policy in Right to Education Act – 2009 was to reduce the number of dropouts. Students from the marginalised community never came back to school when they were detained and to overcome the situation ‘No Detention Policy’ was envisaged.”
He added, “However, contrary to the policy the number of dropouts has increased across the country. Goa has seen the failure rate at Class IX this year at 34 percent, which is huge. One-third of the students are failing just ahead of their crucial year of Class X.”
Questioning the commitment of the government towards improving the standard of education, he said, “While RTE says employ one teacher for 30 students and implement CCE, we are seeing an increasing number of vacancies. This raises questions on the seriousness of the government towards the fundamental duty of a welfare state.”
The organisation also said that students expect that with education portfolio in the hands of the country’s former Defence Minister, the functioning of the department would be at its best. “We are aware that education is something that is close to the heart of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. But we expect that the actions translate into words” he added.
