CM says all is well; Goa is No 1 in NEP rollout

Sawant announced that the government will establish the necessary infrastructure to implement the NEP in government schools within the next two years.

Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar

MAPUSA

In response to Opposition concerns, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that the state leads in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) and that infrastructure development is on track.

Sawant emphasized that the government is not rushing the process and shares the Opposition’s concern for students' well-being.

Sawant announced that the government will establish the necessary infrastructure to implement the NEP in government schools within the next two years.

He added that school managements of grant-in-aid schools are responsible for upgrading their infrastructure.

The Chief Minister clarified that the current timetable remains unchanged, allowing children to go home for lunch and return for additional NEP classes. He highlighted financial commitments, including Rs 90 lakh sanctioned for a Talent Development Centre Laboratory for teachers at the SCERT building in Porvorim, and an additional Rs 4 crore budget awaiting financial approval.

Sawant informed the House that 84 master trainers have been appointed to train other teachers, and approximately 3,000 anganwadi teachers have also received training.

He reassured that the study of foreign languages will continue, with options to learn French, Portuguese, and German.

“We are not in a hurry to implement the NEP and we are serious about our students. Our initiative aligns with the Government of India, which uses Goa as an example for other states,” Sawant stated.

He noted that the NEP, introduced after 40 years, is a forward-looking policy for the 21st century.

Additionally, Sawant assured that higher secondary classes will not be discontinued.

The Chief Minister's statements aim to address the fears and uncertainties expressed by the Opposition and stakeholders, ensuring a smooth transition to the new educational framework.