PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that the government will not grant permission to open new English medium primary schools in the State even as 81 applications submitted by private institutions for starting new schools are pending with the government for permissions.
“We don’t give permission to new primary schools in English medium. Of course if someone has got permission for teaching in Konkani medium but he is teaching in English medium, then we will have to take action. We do not give permission to teach in English medium,” Sawant said.
The government had so far granted permissions for new higher secondary schools, both in Salcete taluka to start classes from this academic year.
Meanwhile, the Director of Education, Shailesh Sinai Zingde, said that 81 applications to start new schools from Class I to Class XI, are pending with the government due to the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls, which came into force from March 16.
He clarified that no applications have been rejected and that the government will take a decision on them after the code of conduct is lifted by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Konkani Bhasha Mandal exhorts govt not to permit new English primary schools
MARGAO: The Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) has urged the State government not to grant permission for any new English primary schools in Goa.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who is also the Education Minister, KBM president Anwesha Singbal emphasised on the importance of providing elementary education in the mother tongue.
Singbal’s letter underscores the significance of nurturing linguistic and cultural identity from the earliest stages of education.
“As per the new education policy, primary education should be conducted in the mother tongue. Experts in the educational field, along with others involved in children's education, have come to the conclusion that children need to be taught in their mother tongue during the initial years of their childhood,” she further stated.
KBM holds the opinion that promoting English medium schools at the primary level poses a threat to the future of Goa and the country as a whole.
“There are high possibilities that a major impact will be created on schools teaching Indian languages if permissions are given for English schools. As Konkani is an official language, it is the duty of the government to initiate and promote more Konkani medium schools,” KBM added.
Schools will reopen on June 4, confirms CM
PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday categorically said that the schools will reopen on Tuesday, June 4, for the new academic year, as announced earlier and as informed by the Directorate of Education.
Responding to a query on whether schools will reopen on June 4, the day of the Lok Sabha election results, Sawant said, “Don’t link schools and elections.”
The Opposition had urged the government to defer the reopening of schools on June 4, in view of Lok Sabha election results.
On the counting day, many government employees such as police personnel, teachers, etc, will be on duty, causing inconvenience as many have to accompany their children to school on the first day of the new academic year.
Though results of the Lok Sabha election are also to be declared on June 4, Education Director Shailesh Sinai Zingde said that the Directorate of Education has decided to go ahead with the earlier announced schedule as delay can cause problems later on as schools are given holidays during exigencies, rain related red alerts etc reducing the number of instructional days.
He also said that the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) is ready with the books for up to Class VIII and distribution of books commenced from Monday.