In Goa, the CM and senior ministers strongly push for IITs and universities with claims that these will benefit Goans. But with the declining standard of education in Goa, how many Goans will actually qualify for top national universities that require huge land areas to set up campuses in a small state like ours? Poor governance and lack of concern are steadily damaging government-run schools. At the same time, the government’s unnecessary interference in aided schools is further weakening primary, secondary and higher secondary education standards. Education policy must be holistic, starting from pre-primary and continuing up to the highest levels. The one-sided focus of ministers on setting up universities raises serious doubts about their true intentions. It seems clear that real estate development is being prioritised, with many ruling ministers and MLAs looking to profit from it.
