PANAJI
The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has petitioned the Education Department seeking early delivery of free uniforms and raincoats to government primary students, and payment of long pending dues to self-help groups to manage the mid-day meal scheme.
The party alleged that despite several reminders over the last academic year, the government has failed to ensure proper implementation of its own policies.
GFP General Secretary Mohandas Lolienkar on Monday led a delegation to Education Secretary Prasad Lolienkar seeking immediate relief to all the eligible primary students considering the schools’ re-opening next month.
“…the government had decided to transfer funds for the uniforms and raincoats directly to the students’ accounts, instead of providing them. However, it has come to our notice that many eligible students have not received either the uniform or the raincoat. This has caused much anxiety, and will lead to difficulties for these students, especially during the upcoming rainy season, discouraging them from attending school regularly,” reads an extract of the memorandum, copy of which has been shared with the media.
Lolienkar was urged to look into this matter with seriousness and ensure that funds are transferred to the accounts of eligible students as soon as possible.
The party also pointed out the pending dues to self-help groups providing mid-day meals to schools. The government, the memorandum adds, has failed in proper and timely payment to these groups.
“This is a matter of great concern as it affects not only the livelihoods of these self-help groups but also the quality of mid-day meals provided to the children. We urge you to take immediate action and ensure that the pending dues of these self-help groups are paid at the earliest. Besides bringing relief to the self-help groups, this will also ensure that the children receive their nutritious mid-day meals without disruption,” it adds.
