Proposed start of academic year in April upsets teachers’ association

Panaji: The All-Goa Secondary School Teachers’ Association (AGSSTA) has submitted a memorandum to the director of education, opposing the proposed change in academic schedule as part of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, implementation. The association has opposed the proposal to change the summer vacation pattern to start the new academic year from April, instead of June. Teachers said the weather is not suitable to conduct classes in April.

“April is one of the hottest months in Goa, with high temperatures and humidity creating extremely uncomfortable and unhealthy conditions for students and teachers. Most schools lack proper cooling facilities, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and reduced concentration in classrooms,” said AGSSTA president Savio Suraj Victoria.

Victoria said starting the academic year in April will leave teachers insufficient time to complete crucial post-academic year tasks, like correction of examination papers, including those of board exams for which many teachers are deputed.

He said finalisation and declaration of results, preparation of timetables, annual plans and lesson schedules for the new academic year, and planning co-curricular and extracurricular activities will be delayed.

This rushed transition will compromise the quality of academic and co-curricular sessions, Victoria said.

“The June start has always complemented Goa’s cooler monsoon season, providing a conducive learning environment as opposed to the harsh heat of April,” the AGSSTA president said.

He claimed state govt proposes to increase school hours to 39 hours per week.

Victoria said this is a violation of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which prescribes a weekly schedule of 29 hours for schools, designed to balance academics, extracurricular activities and personal development. “The proposed increase contradicts these guidelines. Prolonged school hours will result in fatigue and diminished focus, adversely affecting the quality of learning and teaching. Increased school hours will limit time for co-curricular activities, hobbies, and family interactions, which are essential for the overall development of students.”

The AGSSTA president said the directorate of education should consider the ground realities of Goa’s education system and its socio-climatic conditions.

“We request retaining the traditional June start for the academic year, allowing adequate time for post-academic year preparations such as result finalisation, board exam corrections and academic planning. Adhere to the NCF-prescribed school timings of 29 hours per week to ensure a balanced approach to education,” Victoria said.