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MAXIMUM FOR NORTH GOA
* 22 applications for opening HS schools in North Goa
* Only 03 requests received want to set shop in South
* Highest number of applications is from Pernem taluka
* Six of the applications received are from the DSE
* Four DSE applications were denied permission last year
* Presently, 96 higher secondary schools across the State
* Only nine higher secondary schools in Goa are gov-run
* 87 HS schools are either government-aided or unaided
* Total strength all HS schools in Goa is 34,850 students
* No government-run higher secondary schools in 3 talukas
* Salcete has highest number of aided HS schools in State
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PANAJI: The Directorate of Education has received nearly 25 applications from various educational institutions and societies to for opening of new higher secondary schools in academic year 2016-17.
Of the 25 applications received, 22 are for opening of new higher secondary schools in North Goa, while only three in South Goa.
The highest number of applications is from Pernem taluka followed by Tiswadi.
Speaking to The Goan, Education Director Gajanan Bhat informed that the decision on granting permissions would be taken by the end of April.
“Meanwhile, we have asked for feasibility report from the officials to know the present status on the number of students vis-Ã -vis higher secondary schools. And by end of April we should be in a position to convey the decision to all the applicants,” said Bhat.
Interestingly, six of the applications received are from the Diocesan Society of Education (DSE). Four of these were denied permission for higher secondary schools last year. These four include St Joseph Higher Secondary School at Surbanwada, Pernem (Arts and Commerce); Our Lady of Grace Higher Secondary School, Bicholim (Arts and Commerce); St Joseph Vaz Higher Secondary School at Takwada, Usgao (and St Theresa higher Secondary School at Chaudi, Canacona (Arts and Commerce).
“Last year four of our applications were rejected stating that there are enough higher secondary schools in the vicinity to cater to students who pass standard tenth. This year we have applied once again and are hopeful that the Education Department will consider our applications to open the new higher secondary schools,” said DSE Secretary Fr Zeferinho D’Souza.
Speaking about the need for opening new higher secondary schools, Fr Zeferinho said, “All the higher secondary schools that we have asked for are in remote areas. Students from these areas have to travel to the cities for higher education. This results in wastage of time and the students’ safety is another major factor. It is observed that the government grants permission to open additional divisions in higher secondary schools in cities but does not grant permission to open new higher secondary schools in remote areas.”
Presently, there are nearly 96 higher secondary schools across the State, of which nine are government-run and 87 government-aided and unaided, catering to 34,850 students.
While there are no government-run higher secondary schools in three talukas of Bardez, Dharbandora and Quepem, Salcete has the highest number of aided higher secondary schools.
