Panaji: Two years ago, Goa implemented several changes to its school schedule as part of the National Education Policy (NEP). A key reform was moving the academic year start from June to April. Sources now indicate that education officials are reviewing the NEP's implementation, and the April calendar is among the measures being examined.
Background of the Change
The decision to begin the academic year in April faced strong opposition from some parents, but the state stood firm, citing expert recommendations from the state NEP committee. However, differences have now emerged within the committee, with some officials favoring a return to the June calendar.
Committee Member's Perspective
“Under NEP, the number of hours students are required to put in increased, so it was felt that April days should be used for teaching. Goa is the only state with such a long summer vacation. Things were just settling in, and reverting to June would undo progress,” said a committee member.
State Officials' View
State officials note that discussions are preliminary. “The discussions are in early stages. It is a deliberation on how effective the changes have been. When we started, additional hours were needed for bridge courses. Now that those are completed, we are reviewing whether April time is still necessary,” an official said.
Trigger for Review
Sources say protests by parents in some Mormugao schools over the revised schedule have prompted the review. Some headmasters have informed the state that the April start has not been well received by a section of parents.
Impact on Families
“Some schools made changes only for classes VI to X, retaining the old schedule for lower classes. Parents oppose this as it disrupts routines, especially for siblings adjusting to different timings,” said a school management committee member.
