the goan I network
BICHOLIM
Acting on orders of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, authorities expedited work to partially repair the roof at two government schools in Kudchirem-Bicholim, enabling students to resume classes in the premises.
One room has been made fully functional at both schools and students have been shifted to these rooms, till other classrooms are fully repaired, sources said.
A delay in repairing the roof at the government primary schools at Naiginium-and Paltadwada in Kudchirem-Bicholim had left both school buildings with missing roofs, when schools resumed for the new academic year on June 6.
To make matters worse, the rains had made it impossible for students and staff to enter the schools.
While students from the Government primary school at Naiginium were shifted to a nearby temple, students of the Government primary school at Paltadwada were shifted to a nearby house.
Angry parents, PTA members and locals blamed the education department for failing to ensure that both schools were fully repaired ahead of the new academic year.
After the issue was highlighted in The Goan, a livid Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had expressed shock over the condition of the two government primary schools in Kudchirem and was upset that the contractors had not completed the repair work ahead of the new academic year.
Taking note of The Goan report, Sawant issued directions to authorities to ensure that the repair work was completed within eight days.
According to sources, the contractor was under pressure to complete the pending roof work at both schools and workers were reportedly working round the clock.
“It is good news for students and parents from schools, as the pending work was partially completed and temporary arrangements have been made to accommodate students in one portion of both schools,” said Rajan Usapkar, a parent.
At present, one room has been made fully functional at both schools and students have been shifted to these rooms, till other classrooms are fully repaired, sources said.
Sources added that all pending works are expected to be completed within the next few days.
The chief minister, who had earlier directed teams to inspect and report the condition of schools after The Goan report, said the State government has been working to complete similar pending works at all other school buildings.
“These works will be completed soon in order to avoid any inconvenience to students,” assured the chief minister.
