PANAJI
Amid growing controversy over syllabus change at a Panaji-based private school, the Goa government has stepped in with the NEP committee headed by Education Secretary Prasad Lolayekar to investigate the matter.
The issue came to light during a meeting of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) with schools to review the centralised common exams, when it was found that Shree Mahalaxmi Primary School (Mushtifund Saunstha) had allegedly implemented the syllabus incorrectly.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks were being used in Class IV -- despite question papers set by the SCERT based on the syllabus approved by the Goa government.
“We have taken cognisance of the matter and it will be placed before the NEP steering committee headed by the Secretary Education. We have already sent model question papers as per the SCERT syllabus to all schools and it is mandatory to be followed,” SCERT Director Meghana Shetgaonkar told The Goan.
She further said that the SCERT-based common examination is compulsory for all schools and all grades across the State, while warning that any lapses in this regard will be viewed seriously.
The NEP-based NCERT books for Class IV in Mushtifund are 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).
“Since SCERT is setting this year’s question papers for Class IV, the mismatch could affect students’ performance in the upcoming semester exams, scheduled to begin on October 9,” the official, monitoring the issue, told The Goan.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said the matter required scrutiny. “I will find out what books are being taught in this school, after which appropriate action will be taken,” he told reporters.
The school management, meanwhile, said they will discuss the matter with the headmistress to revert on the issue while the latter was unavailable for comments.
For the very first time, SCERT will be conducting a centralized common summative examination for students of Class III to Class VIII from this academic year. The examination that will be held through a common time-table for all grades will commence from October 9 for Grade 3 and Grade 4, while the students of Grade 5 to Grade 8 will answer their first paper on October 7.
