MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Monday that the State government will soon formulate a policy to ensure the provision of housekeeping staff and security guards in all government primary schools across Goa.
This initiative aims to enhance the safety and hygiene standards in these educational institutions.
During the legislative assembly session, Sawant disclosed that the schemes under the new policy have already been submitted for financial approval.
“We will formulate a scheme to provide housekeeping staff and security guards to all government primary schools. The government will announce the scheme by August end,” he said.
This announcement came in response to concerns raised by Mayem MLA Premendra Shet about the need for housekeeping and security personnel at the newly renovated Green school building of Shri Vithal Rakhumai Sarkari Prathamik Shala in Vithalapur, Karapur.
The school, which boasts 32 rooms and 21 toilets, currently has an enrolment of 234 primary students and 70 pre-primary students.
CM Sawant acknowledged that there has been no provision for appointing housekeeping and security staff in government primary schools until now.
“The headmaster of the school had powers to hire a local hand to do housekeeping duty in the school,” he stated.
He noted that the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of the Green School had taken proactive steps by installing CCTV cameras in the renovated premises.
The Chief Minister informed the House that a file proposing the appointment of security guards and housekeeping staff had been submitted to the government. However, the personnel department returned the file, requesting an assessment of the required manpower through the Administrative Reforms Department (ARD).
This assessment is currently underway.
Additionally, Sawant mentioned that there is no existing provision to appoint clerks in government primary schools, further highlighting the need for comprehensive administrative support in these institutions.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao emphasised the importance of appointing housekeeping staff, especially in light of the government’s plans to introduce the National Education Policy (NEP).
He argued that maintaining cleanliness and security in schools is crucial for creating a conducive learning environment.
The introduction of this policy marks a significant step towards improving the infrastructure and operational standards of government primary schools in Goa.
