Panaji: Two years ago, Goa introduced several changes to its school schedule as part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). One of the key reforms was advancing the start of the academic year from June to April. Sources now said education officials are reviewing the implementation of the NEP in the state, and the April academic calendar is among the measures being examined.‘The decision to begin the academic year in April had faced strong opposition from a section of parents, but the state stood by the move, stating that it was recommended by experts on the state NEP committee.Sources said differences have now emerged within the committee, with some state officials favouring a return to the June academic calendar.“Under NEP, there was increase in the number of hours a student is required to put in and therefore it was felt that the days in April should be utilised for teaching. Goa is the only state with such a long summer vacation. Things were just settling in and now reverting to June academic start will undo the progress made,” said a committee member.State officials, however, said discussions are still at a preliminary stage.“The discussions are in the early stages. It is only a deliberation on how effective or not the changes have been. When we began implementing the changes, the additional hours were needed as teachers and students had to undergo bridge courses. Now that the bridge courses have been completed, it was felt we should review whether the additional time in April is needed at all for schools,” said an official familiar with the discussions.Sources said protests by parents in some Mormugao schools over the revised school schedule have triggered the review. Some headmasters have also informed the state that the April academic start has not been well received by a section of parents.“Some schools have made the changes to the schedule only for classes VI to X and retained the old schedule and timings for lower classes. Parents are opposing the move in such schools as it is disrupting their routine, especially where there are siblings attending adjusting to two different timings and schedules,” said a member of a school management committee.
