PANAJI
Schools and higher secondary schools opened on Monday to kick start the new 2023-24 academic year but many shut early on day one as power failures amid hot and humid weather caused discomfort in the classrooms.
School campuses sprung to life again after the long summer vacation brimming with students after almost two months.
The State government has already taken the decision to implement the new National Education Policy (NEP) but it is unlikely to have any effect on the functioning of schools and higher secondary schools in classes I to XII.
The NEP is to be introduced at the Foundation level and this year the new framework is being introduced only for the pre-primary levels. It will be implemented in the higher classes in a phased manner from next year.
Currently, the Directorate of Education is gearing up to hold training sessions for pre-primary teachers and classes for these Foundation Level I (nursery/play school) students will commence only on July 5.
Meanwhile, parents are voicing concern over the well-being of their wards due to the harsh weather conditions. And with the IMD forecasting hot and humid conditions with a large change in maximum temperature expected for next 4-5 days, the government is being urged to delay classes until the monsoon sets in.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the education portfolio, meanwhile took to Twitter to extend his wishes to students who are embarking on a new academic year.
“As schools reopen today, I extend my best wishes to all the young learners for an exceptional academic year ahead,” Sawant tweeted along with ‘Hello First Day at School’ graphic.
