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Being the lone higher secondary school in the entire Sanguem taluka should have been reason enough for the government to have ensured proper care of the institution.
Besides, an improving performance in education and extra-curricular activities in recent times should have further justified attention to the Government Higher Secondary School at Sanguem.
But this Government HSS has been in such bad shape that Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was taken aback by the condition of the structure during his visit at a recent function at the institution.
Besides the weakened structure, the absence of a full-time principal for the government HSS has also been cause for concern among staff and parents of students.
A recent visit to Sanguem HSS exposed the dilapidated condition of the building. The roof is dripping at several places and the toilets are in bad condition. The windows are broken and the walls are filled with moss at many places.
What's more, the false ceiling has given way at some places and is being held in place with a wooden post. Tarpaulin has also been placed over certain portions of the roof to prevent leakage.
During a recent event to distribute laptops under the cyberage scheme, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was visibly surprised to notice the dilapidated building. While assuring to get the education institution renovated, Parsekar also promised to depute a full-time principal to Sanguem HSS.
In the absence of a full-time principal, M V Gadgil is presently handling additional charge as presiding principal of this higher secondary, in addition to two more educational institutions.
According to office staff, the Sanguem HSS has shown good results in academics and extra curricular activities.
During the HSSC exams held this year, the school achieved a commendable pass percentage of 86 per cent, considering that students hail from rural areas, a source told The Goan.
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Admitting that the Government HSS at Sanguem is in need of urgent repair work, Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai has now stated that the building will be renovated by GSIDC at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore, with the work expected to start in September.
Phaldessai told The Goan that he would personally pursue the renovation work.
“I along with Parent Teachers Association (PTA) members of this institution met Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on four occasions and demanded a full-time principal and renovation of the Government HSS,” informed Phaldessai.
Explaining the difficulty in getting a full-time principal for the Government HSS, Phaldessai said that principals appointed to this higher secondary have been from distant places, and hence immediately seek transfers elsewhere.
“As far as I know, there is a dearth of principals. But I still feel that the government should appoint a full-time principal from Sanguem or nearby areas to ensure that they remain at the Sanguem HSS and don't seek transfers elsewhere,” said the legislator.
Commenting on the condition of the building, Phaldessai admitted he had visited the premises on many occasions and was aware of the dilapidated condition of the school building.
“Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation will utilise Rs 2.5 crore to renovate the higher secondary building. Work has been halted as monsoons have started, but renovation work will agan commence in September and will culminate within 5 to 6 months,” informed Phaldessai.
