PRATIK PARAB
pratik@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Parents of students across the State have complained about the problems they have faced during the admission process to various Higher Secondary Schools (HSS). Responding to this, the Director of Education, Nagraj Honnekeri, pointed out that the Higher Secondary Schools are not following the guidelines strictly and has assured that the department is looking into streamlining the admissions process in Goa, which will resolve these problems.
Unlike other states, Goa doesn’t have a unified admission facility for educational institutions, due to which, parents and students still face a harrowing time. There have been complaints about the ordeals they faced this year, running from pillar to post.
Educationists point out to the situation in other states such as that of Maharashtra, which has a unified admissions system. The student needs to register on an online portal wherein after payment of a sum of money, the student gets a single prospectus. The portal allows them access to information about all institutions. This practice has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way students and parents approach admissions.
However in Goa, educationists say the admission process can test the patience of students and parents alike. The parents end up begging and pleading with the management of the schools out of fear that their child will miss out on admission, which has been the case for several students who have missed out on the institution of their choice.
A top official in the education sector of Goa said the money being charged and collected from parents is high and that a single window will be a boon for all.
Speaking on this issue, Director of Education said that the Education Department is seriously thinking about the issues regarding admissions. “We will definitely streamline the admission process. It will be streamlined in a manner in which the parents get to choose their Higher Secondary school” said Director Nagraj. He also informed that the changes may not be in line with the other states but will be changes that will help the community.
“Guidelines have already been issued to the Higher Secondary Schools, for which relevant criteria has been given. But, none of the schools are following them seriously. There is a point based system through which admissions are supposed to be given. We are taking these guidelines strictly and are looking at streamlining the admission process, following which, all the problems should be resolved,” added the director.
He has also advised the parents to get in touch with the Zonal Education Office if they are facing any problem regarding admission to the Higher Secondary Schools.
