It is learnt that a proposal to commence the academic year in schools in April instead of the traditional month of June is reportedly in an advanced stage of discussion among state-level decision-makers linked to the implementation of the new National Education Policy (NEP). The state-level NEP committee has reportedly discussed it, but there is still no unanimity; however, preparatory groundwork to start the academic year in April instead of June has begun. The final decision in the matter rests with the Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, who also holds the education portfolio.
It is learnt that the schedule is such that all examinations will be completed by April 1, and the start of the new academic year will be from April itself. Does this mean that children and their parents will have to forego the customary summer vacation from next year? There is ambiguity as to whether the vacation between academic years will be scrapped altogether or whether it will be shifted to the rainy month of June. If this happens, the vacation will commence just one month after schools reopen for the new academic year. The customary summer vacation helps students rejuvenate as they enter the next class. In the summer season, the heat in the state is unbearable, and children will find it difficult to sit in the classroom and concentrate on their studies. It is pertinent to note that even the courts are closed for the summer vacation. Why should little children be forced to attend class in the hot summer season?
It is understood that the change is being introduced to bring in uniformity and sync the academic calendar of schools in Goa with that followed by Central Education Boards like the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE). It needs to be noted that schools affiliated with the Central Education Boards are spread across the country, where the climate changes are different. It would be desirable for the state government not to introduce a change to the existing school academic calendar.
