Decision taken to avoid disruption; exams to follow centralised schedule in October
PANAJI
In a bid to protect the academic term of Class IV students of Shree Mahalaxmi Primary School, run by Mushtifund Saunstha, the State government has allowed the institute to set up question papers for the students based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) syllabus/ framework. However, the examination will be conducted as per schedule in October as part of centralised common summative examination.
Shree Mahalaxmi Primary school in Panaji was in controversy over syllabus change. The institute, without consulting the State government adopted NCERT framework for Class IV from this academic year as against the syllabus of State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), which is implemented across all government and government aided and some private schools. Taking cognisance of the matter, the issue was discussed during the NEP Steering Committee meeting held on Wednesday. The meeting, chaired by Education Secretary Prasad Lolayekar, was unanimous to ensure that students don’t suffer.
Speaking to The Goan, SCERT director Meghana Shetgaonkar said that considering the situation, where ultimately, students will suffer, the committee decided to allow the school to set up NCERT based question papers for Class IV for this year.
“The school has violated the directions but if they stretch the issue and force them to follow the SCERT question paper, ultimately, students will suffer. We don’t want that,” she said.
Shegaonkar said that necessary directions would be issued to schools to set up papers and have examinations as part of the common summative examination, which is scheduled next month. “They have adopted NCERT…not a big issue…but yes, they did not inform us…,” she said.
The NEP-based NCERT books for Class IV in Mushtifund were being taught even though the State is introducing the National Education Policy 2020 in a phased manner. The implementation has so far covered Balvatika I, II, and III (Classes I to III), Grade VI, IX and X (Classes VI, IX and X).
The school management admitted probable lapses but promised corrective measures.
Speaking for the institution, Dilip Dharwadkar had said the school had relied on a government circular that mentioned both NCERT and SCERT textbooks. “As per the circular, we used NCERT books. Now that SCERT has set common papers, we will request the concerned authority and ensure that no students are affected," he said.
