CM Asks stakeholders for roadmap on National Education Policy
Internet connectivity still a big concern for students: Sawant
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday acknowledged that internet connectivity was still a concern among students, more so in the villages.
“Internet connectivity is still an issue for students in villages, the government will address this as soon as possible,” the he told media. He also added that students of Std 10th and 12th can voluntarily go to schools and meet the teachers to solve their difficulties as per the guidelines mentioned in Unlock 4.
Data collected by the educational institutes at the department’s behest has pointed out that nearly 75 percent of the students across Goa have access to online education. Schools have resorted to methods such as printing and distribution of worksheets where online education was not possible.
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PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said he has put off until October 2 the decision on reopening schools ruling out allowing physical classes anytime soon.
Sawant who also holds the education portfolio said after reviewing the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, the government will revisit the issue on October 2.
Earlier on Saturday, Sawant held a meet via video-conferencing with stakeholders, including education department officials, school management representatives, teachers, some Parent-Teacher Association functionaries among others on the issue of starting physical classes.
The government wants to open schools, particularly for students of Xth and XIIth classes, who will be expected to answer the crucial SSC and HSSC exams conducted by the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBS&HSE) at the culmination of the academic year in March/April 2021.
Sawant also discussed the conduct of online classes currently adopted by educational institutions at the video-conferencing meet.
He also urged the stakeholders to put their mind to co-operate with the government in preparing the roadmap for implementing the National Education Policy by offering their suggestions to the NEP task force committees.
He suggested that Webinars be conducted at different level to discuss, understand and give suggestions on implementation of NEP.
Stakeholders expressed readiness to commence classes, but stressed upon the need for taking the decision based on the pandemic situation in the State. Several schools also highlighted the reluctance of parents over commencing of classes.
The issue of non-release of various grants required for day-to-day functioning of schools by the government was also raised at the meeting. CM agreed to look into the matter and release the grants.
Sawant had last week indicated that the government was hoping to re-open schools initially for Class X and XII students after September 21 following the green signal of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs which issued guidelines for partial reopening of schools.
As per the MHA issued SOP, governments were permitted to open schools for Classes IX to XII in a staggered manner, provided parents formally agreed in writing.
Now, with the Covid-19 pandemic situation growing grim by the day, the State government is seemingly unwilling to risk re-opening schools.
