PANAJI
Way back in 2017, the idea of Cultural Merit Marks for school students was first conceptualized by the Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gaude, during his maiden stint as Minister in the BJP-led government.
The idea was on the lines of sports merit marks, which are presently allotted to students. However, seven years down the line, the idea is yet to materialize in the absence of State Cultural Policy.
Though the cultural merit marks for school and higher secondary school students were supposed to be introduced from the academic year 2017-18, the deadline kept shifting to every alternate Academic term. And for last two years, there are no discussions taking place in that direction.
According to the sources, in 2018, the Directorate of Art and Culture had submitted a Cultural Policy, which had shortlisted 30 art forms -- for consideration of merit marks -- but that never got approval from the government. Currently, a policy drafted almost one and half decade back- 2007- is in use.
The marks would be introduced for the students of Class IX to XII. “The scheme on allotment of marks has to be governed by a cultural policy,” sources said.
Once the cultural policy is finalised, the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) -- the implementing agency, has a lengthy procedure to complete before introducing the new concept in schools.
The board’s various committees, like the academic council, have to finalise the processes to be followed for the allotment of marks.
When contacted, Chairman of Goa Board Bhagirath Shetye said, “ There is no development on the subject. The Art and culture department had drafted a policy long back but nothing moved forward”.
The Cultural Merit Marks are aimed at encouraging students to participate in cultural events, for which students are compensated with merit marks to be added to their marksheet as a means to promote all-round development in students.
In its initial phase of discussion, the government had listed organizations like Kala Academy, Ravindra Bhavan, Goa Konkani Academi, Goa Marathi Academi and Rajiv Kala Mandir, and had said that the students participating in the cultural events held by these organizations would be considered for merit marks allotment.
