PANAJI
The villagers of Neura and Sulabhat-Agassaim have opposed moves to merge the primary schools in the two villages with that of Mandur primary school.
At a meeting held in the Sulabhat primary school in the presence of St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar on Saturday, the villagers urged the government to instead undertake maintenance and upgradation of the schools so that the local students benefit.
Speaking after the meeting, MLA Borkar informed The Goan that the two primary schools of Neura and Sulabhat have got a notice of merger with Mandur school.
“At today's meeting, the Sulabhat villagers have opposed the move while the Neura villagers have already voiced their opposition earlier. In fact, the Neura primary school is the oldest in Tiswadi and has 30 students while Sulabhat school has 21 students,” he informed.
“The criteria of merging primary schools is that there should be less than 20 students. Therefore these two primary schools cannot be merged,” Borkar added.
“Also, in Mandur primary school, currently there are only two teachers of which one is about to go on leave. So, how will these many students be taught by one teacher?” the MLA posed.
Further, he opined that if the schools are merged with Mandur school then the parents, as well as the students of these schools, will face the problem of travelling.
“This will defeat the very purpose of setting up of the primary schools, that of providing education in the villages,” Borkar stated and added that he will not allow the merger of the two primary schools as it would lead to them shutting down.
“Already many primary schools in Agassaim have shut down and parents are forced to admit their wards in private schools, which will also be the case here,” he opined and stated that he has already met Education Director and apprised him of the problems that would be faced by the parents and the students.
“I will also submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who is also the Education Minister, and voice opposition to merge the two primary schools,” Borkar assured and demanded that the government should upgrade the schools instead of merging.
