PANJIM: After the printing error in the English question paper of the SSC examination, Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education is in the eye of another storm, a rather bizarre one and the reason surrounds the Portuguese passport issue.
The English question paper, on Saturday had the following question:
“D) Report what was said by Rayson and Kedan in appropriate reporting words.
“What are your future plans my friend?” (Rayson to Kedan)
“I have applied for a Portuguese passport as there are few job opportunities in Goa”. (Kedan to Rayson)
“You have taken the right decision. Without influence and money, it’s very difficult for Goans to get jobs in Goa.” (Rayson to Kedan)”
This question has stirred up quite a controversy, and to the embarrassment of the government it is the BJP itself that has brought this into focus.
Former Panjim MLA Siddharth Kuncoliencar took to the social media to vent his anger saying the question paper puts Goa in a bad light and at the same time encourages students to apply for Portuguese nationality.
“Uncalled for unwarranted content in #English SSCE paper of Goa Board. Please teach children to love their land & stop using divisive tactics in such covert ways. #Shame on this teacher who set this paper. #education dept should investigate & punish the culprit,” he wrote.
Former MP and BJP stalwart Narendra Sawikar said, “Goa Board should immediately initiate strict action against the paper setter, moderator and whosoever is involved in the process of this paper setting. This act has to be punished.”
Another BJP leader demanded that the teacher be arrested immediately. “This teacher should be arrested and punished, Religion also been mixed in education. Going abroad for job opportunity would have been fine but this mentality of the teacher is not acceptable to Nationalist citizens of India. This teacher’s Indian citizenship should be terminated and deported to Portugal,” he said.
The social media had many more reactions. Rajesh Pednekar, another user, said, “Poisoning poor mind of X Std students giving more stress to the childrens.... It is unfortunate that negativity is passed on to children so that they should hate India and Goa. Shame on such teacher’s.”
Floyd Dias do Rosario wrote, “Surprise to see this on board paper.”
The Opposition also faulted the question. Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat said, “This question in English paper of SSC examination is a reflection of current situation in Goa under @BJP4Goa. No job opportunities here & then step motherly treatment to those who go abroad for earning bread & butter & contribute to our economy. Hope @goacm takes note. @INCGoa”
While many criticised the question there were many who also defended it saying it was a sad reality. AMCHEM GOA wrote, “Why are we scared of teaching & talking about the truth? People incl. children talk about this during their conversations. Are you going to also gag them? Remember everyone loves their motherland incl. those with Portuguese passports. Let’s face the truth which is on that paper.”
Goa Board chairman Ramakrishna Samant, when contacted, said the Board will look into the matter and necessary action will be taken against the concern. “Also care will be taken to ensure that such things don't repeat in future,” he said.
BJP STALWARTS SPEAK
- Uncalled for unwarranted content in #English SSCE paper of Goa Board. Please teach children to love their land & stop using divisive tactics in such covert ways.
Siddharth Kuncoliencar, Former Panjim MLA
- Goa Board should immediately initiate strict action against the paper setter, moderator and whosoever is involved in the process of this paper setting.
Narendra Sawikar, Former MP
GOA BOARD RESPONSE
Board will look into the matter and necessary action will be taken against the concern. Also care will be taken to ensure that such things don’t repeat in future.
- Ramakrishna Samant, Goa Board chairman