TUESDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026

Do not politicise children’s education

Goa experiences peak summer heat in April and May, and for decades, summer vacations have been scheduled during these months. The government’s decision to follow the Delhi school model is wrong, as children, parents, and teachers prefer the existing system.   

Parents play a key role in their children’s daily routine, managing school and tuition schedules. Summer is the only time children can wake up late, relax, and enjoy activities like summer camps, which politicians may not understand.   

Some media support CM Pramod Sawant’s decision, claiming children will stay indoors glued to mobile phones. Ironically, those making such claims may do the same. Some channels show children who supposedly prefer school year-round, but these are often kids of busy or absentee parents. We shouldn’t change a long-standing tradition just because a few children lack friends or are addicted to mobile games.   

The government is already pressuring Goans and now targets schoolchildren. Even Gulf and European countries have summer holidays to escape the heat. CM Sawant, who enjoyed summer vacations himself, is now imposing politics on kids. Despite being a doctor, he ignores heat stress, and his wife, a teacher, overlooks teachers’ struggles. Let the system remain as it is”don’t disturb the peace in the name of education.   


SHARE ON

Mandating use of canvas shoes welcome move

ANDRESON FERNANDES, Calangute
Published Mar 13, 2025, 8:22 PM IST
SHARE ON

In a recent circular Directorate of Education requires all students in government, aided, unaided, primary, secondary, higher secondary, and special schools to wear canvas shoes as part of their school uniforms. This initiative is a commendable effort to reduce the environmental impact associated with leather and synthetic footwear, which are known to involve harmful chemicals in their production. As Director of Education Shailesh Zingde rightly pointed out in his circular,…

READ MORE
Home HOME News GOA NEWS Global GLOBAL GOENKAR Search SEARCH