# May ask for third extension n Panel was formed in July 2016
the goan I network
PANAJI
However, with the second 90-day extension to the committee coming to an end on May 15, the committee is likely to seek another extension from the government as it is yet to hold two consultative meetings at district-level in North and South Goa.
Speaking to The Goan Everyday, a member of the Committee informed, “We have held consultative meetings of all stakeholders in all talukas. The last meeting was held in Margao in April. Once these meetings are completed, we need to sit together and compile these suggestions and recommendations which will be submitted to the State government in the form of a report.”
Asked about the delay in submitting the report, the member informed that vacations and code of conduct during the State Legislative Assembly elections have resulted in the delay.
“During the first 120-day tenure, there were two vacations “ Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali, due to which it was difficult for us to convene the meetings as it was not possible for parents and teachers to attend them. Then, during the first 90-day extension, schools were busy with their annual gatherings, sports and then Christmas vacation began. Once the schools reopened, we had scheduled the consultative meetings, but then those plans too failed as the model code of conduct for elections came into force,” he said.
He also admitted that it is highly unlikely to hold meetings as summer vacations are on and parents and teachers are unavailable.
“Taking all factors into consideration, we will try to schedule the meetings and by June-end we will be in a position to submit the report,” he said.
The government had constituted the 17-member advisory committee under the Chairmanship of Bhaskar Nayak to advise the State government on the issue of grants to English medium primary schools and to study the entire system of grants, financial support to government aided schools to improve overall efficiency for achieving stated educational goals in the State.
The committee was required to hold extensive consultations with various stakeholders in education and submit its report within a period of 120 days. The Committee was then granted two extensions of 90 days each as it was unable to give its report within 120 days.
