April reopening of Goa schools and NEP implementation

Altering the academic calendar in Goa by shifting the school reopening to April has not just sparked opposition from students, parents and educationists, but also created mental tension for the students who, at the end of the day, will be bearing the brunt.

This move not only disrupts the long-standing tradition that we have followed so far, but also introduces challenges that I believe and foresee as outweighing any benefits that are purported.

One of the primary concerns that everyone is raising when it comes to this significant change is the extreme heat. The schools in the State would end the academic year by the first week of April at the max allowing students a much-needed break before the monsoon.

This ensured that the children were not exposed to the sweltering heat of April and May, which can have severe health repercussions.

The schools in the State would end the academic year by the first week of April at the max allowing students a much-needed break before the monsoon.

Goa, which is situated on the coastal belt, experiences peak heat much earlier, making the month of April an unsuitable time for students to be in classrooms, some of which lack adequate ventilation and systems.

Beyond these climatic concerns, what compounds the problem further is the lack of adequate infrastructure in schools. Do we have sufficient washrooms? Do we have adequate drinking water facilities?

Given that many of the schools lack basic infrastructure, forcing our children to attend school during these peak summer months poses serious health risks, including dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

It is certainly unreasonable to expect young students to cope with such harsh conditions, particularly when there is nothing being done to upgrade the school facilities to deal with heat conditions experienced in April.

AGAINST THE WIND: Children express their plight by holding protest placards.

Why is there a hasty implementation, seemingly without any consultation with the stakeholders i.e. parents, teachers and school administrators?

The rapid enforcement without even giving a thought reflects a top-down approach to policymaking that disregards ground realities and which has been a case for some now in Goa given the current ruling.

The rapid enforcement without even giving a thought reflects a top-down approach to policymaking that disregards ground realities

This hasty decision also raises eyebrows about the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which, while ambitious in its vision, has been implemented without sufficient preparation.

Karnataka implemented it in 2021, becoming the first State to do so. After facing myriad challenges, it was scrapped in 2024 when the Congress government came to power.

Forget the private schools, the government schools themselves are far from being equipped for NEP. This sudden transition to a new academic calendar has left all the schools literally struggling to adapt.

The rushed execution of anything that should be beneficial creates only confusion and dissatisfaction. Any is difficult to accept. It must be done with consultation and after a considerable amount of thought process.

IN WORDS: School children's placards speak for them.

The hasty decision is going to affect the wholistic development of students which cannot be ignored.

The previous academic calendar allowed students to engage in enrichment programmes, extracurricular activities and sports camps, and spend time with family and friends during the summer break.

The hasty decision is going to affect the wholistic development of students which cannot be ignored.

The revised schedule threatens and curtails these opportunities, and places greater academic pressure on children while reducing their time for creative and physical pursuits.

This, for your information dear policymakers, contradicts the very essence of the NEP, which emphasises a approach to education that includes skill development, sports, and creative expression.

The restructuring of the curriculum has increased the academic burden on students. The schools are now expected to cover a vast syllabus with a shortened timeframe, increasing stress levels among students and educators.

What about the developmental needs of children who need a balanced schedule to accommodate learning, and rest? The emphasis should rather be on enhancing the quality of education than enforcing and forcing rigid structural changes that negatively impact students' well-being.

The schools are now expected to cover a vast syllabus with a shortened timeframe, increasing stress levels among students and educators.

The resistance to the NEP decision is due to the genuine concern for the health, safety and academic success of children. When such decisions are made, they must be based on scientific, climatic and pedagogical considerations rather than just administrative convenience.

The one-size-fits-all approach to education policy disregards the unique needs of different states and pupils (which again, let me remind you NEP is aiming to nurture). This calendar shift is a prime example of a flawed strategy.

It is, therefore, imperative that the education authorities in the state and the country reconsider this decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with parents, educators, and experts, to adopt a more flexible approach that benefits, respects and prioritises students’ welfare.

If the academic calendar needs a revamp it needs to be done gradually with adequate preparation and infrastructure upgrade to support the transition.