MARGAO: Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao has voiced concern over the recent drop in the number of students registering for the Class XII examination conducted by the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. Alemao attributed this decline to what he perceives as faulty policies of the BJP government.
“I hope the government will immediately conduct a detailed study to find the cause of this decline in number and take corrective steps,” he urged. “Yeh to hona hi thaa,” (This was bound to happen) he remarked.
Alemao emphasised that he had previously raised concerns when CM Pramod Sawant announced the Chief Minister’s Apprenticeship Policy for school dropouts.
Expressing disappointment over the reported 12 percent decline in students at the Higher Secondary School Certificate Examination (HSSCE), Alemao called for the government to formulate policies that encourage students to pursue higher education and advanced training in skill development.
Alemao critiqued the Chief Minister’s Apprenticeship Policy, stating, “Under this scheme, the students were allowed to work for a fixed duration in any government department. However, there is no provision to provide permanent employment to the apprentice after completing apprenticeship.” He reiterated his earlier warnings during the last Assembly session, expressing concern that the hastily announced scheme might result in students dropping out of schools midway for the short-term stipend offered.
The Leader of Opposition appealed to the Chief Minister, urging the government to launch programs that incentivise students for higher education and advanced skill development, facilitating their readiness for the industry and fostering better citizenship.
