PANAJI
Unhappy with the sub-par performance of students in the State in mathematics as compared to the national average as indicated in the National Achievement Survey 2021, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday chided aided schools saying serious efforts were needed to boost the standard of education.
He said that Central Civil Service (CCS) conduct rules would be made applicable for teachers in aided schools.
"We are concerned about the National Achievement Survey report released in 2021. In maths, students in Goa are below the national average. We have tried to ascertain reasons for this,” said Sawant, while addressing a news conference.
Stating that 20 per cent of students studying in government schools, while the remaining students are in aided schools, Sawant added, “We simply cannot blame government teachers and government schools, as 80 per cent of students study in aided schools.”
“When the government provides funds to aided schools, we expect results of some standard. Teachers should be full-time teachers and should not have any other businesses, since the government is paying them salaries.”
"Some teachers do a good job, but when the National Average Achievement Survey report states we are below national average, it is not good from the perspective of students, especially when it comes to maths, social science and science. Even to go below the national languages when it comes to languages, is a serious concern to me, since I am also the education minister,” Sawant added.
VOCATIONAL STREAM
Sawant said the vocational stream at higher secondary schools have been closed in the State.
“There is no vocational stream in the country and so, in consultation with the higher secondary schools, we will start Std 11 admission in line with arts, commerce and science, with additional subjects of NSQF (National Skill Qualification Framework),” said Sawant.
While stating that a change in syllabus would be done from next year, the chief minister said permissions to recruit new teachers, if required, will be given soon.
Sawant also said many pending promotions of teachers will be completed shortly.
“Besides, 38 government middle schools and 12 aided middle schools will be merged with nearby Government or aided schools.”
