PANAJI
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has condemned the move of the government to merge more than 200 government primary schools with nearby schools as well as the circular issued to high schools and higher secondary schools to adopt nearby Aganwadis.
Instead, AAP has demanded that the government increase the funds for the education sector, improve infrastructure of the schools, recruit regular teachers and ensure that quality education is provided in government schools.
Speaking to reporters in Panaji on Thursday, AAP leader Pratima Coutinho said, “We condemn the decision of the government to merge more than 200 single teacher primary schools with nearby schools. And also, the directions issued to the high schools and higher secondary schools to adopt nearby Aganwadis.”
“Today, around 60 per cent Aganwadis are running from rented premises and the majority of them lack basic infrastructure,” Countinho informed and alleged that the BJP government has neglected the education sector.
“The CAG report says that infrastructure projects in many schools are unfinished, additionally 400 plus schools are operating with one teacher. It is the job of the government to provide training to Aganwadi teachers, better infrastructure, better facilities, good pay,” she added.
Prof Ramrao Wagh alleged that the move to merge primary schools could be aimed at privatising the education sector right from the primary level.
“By closing government schools, we feel there is a plan to deny education to the weaker section of the society by handing the same to private managements,” Wagh stated.
“The people still have faith in government schools but it is due to lack of facilities that the teachers are unable to function effectively. The government needs to appoint more teachers on regular basis and not shut down the schools,” he demanded.
