PANAJI
The State government on Wednesday informed the High Court of Bombay at Goa that it will consider objections to the draft notification amending rules under the Goa School Education Act, 1984, before issuing a final notification within the next 15 days.
The submission was made during the hearing of a writ petition challenging the decision to commence the 2025-26 academic year in April for Grades 6 to 10 and Grade 12.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam told the Bench that the Education Department has already issued a draft notification inviting objections and suggestions. As per the draft, the academic year for Classes VI to X and Class XII will start in April and end in March, whereas Classes I to V and Class XI will follow a June-to-April schedule, beginning on June 5.
“The objections will be considered by the government, and the final notification will be issued in 15 days,” Pangam informed the Bench, which then adjourned the matter to Monday, allowing the petitioners to submit their reply-affidavit.
Earlier, on March 10, the High Court had issued notices to the Union Ministry of Education and the Goa government, seeking a response to the petition. During the first hearing, Pangam stated that the decision was taken after due deliberation.
“Last year, the government had planned to start the academic year on April 1 and continue till April 30. However, we decided to implement the change this year. Classes will be held till 11:30 am and resume in June. This schedule ensures that adequate care has been taken,” he said.
“It is for the betterment of students and education. It is time to move on and adjust.”
The High Court has not stayed the implementation of the new academic schedule, indicating that the current decision will continue until further orders from the Court.
