Parents protest April start to academic year

Panaji: At least 100 parents gathered outside the directorate of education (DoE) on Monday afternoon to object to the state’s decision to start the new academic year 2025-26 from April for students from Class VI to X and Class XII. They said a group of parents have approached the high court over the matter and that even if the decision is in favour of govt, attendance is likely to be low in schools.
“Parents fear for their children’s health and may not send them to school in April. Many have already booked their tickets and planned their holidays in April. The schools informed them of classes in April much later. In such cases, what will happen to their academics? Will they lose out? Will the schools have to repeat the portion again in June?” said one parent. Another parent said children with siblings in primary school are feeling disheartened as they have to go to school while their brothers or sisters enjoy their summer vacation.
The parents raised slogans against govt’s decision and criticised the notification being issued over the weekend to amend the Goa Education Rules to bring in a change in the academic schedule. They said only five days were given, that too over the weekend, to submit objections and suggestions to the amendments.