PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has issued notices to the Union Ministry of Education and Goa government in connection with a writ petition filed by a group of parents challenging the commencement of the Academic Year 2025-26 from April 1 for grade 6 to 10, instead of the first week of June.
In their writ petition, a group of parents challenged the decision of the Education Department stating there was no proper consultative process involving the stakeholders and no debate before implementing the new academic year.
The matter came up for hearing on Monday, directing the government to file a reply within one week. The Central government, also one of the respondents, is directed to file the reply. The Bench while adjourning the matter; however has not stayed the petition, which means the government can go ahead until any decision.
During the hearing, Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the Court that the decision had been taken after due deliberation.
The AG has assured the Bench to place before the Court what debates and deliberation took place before arriving at the decision to start the academic year from April.
"Last year also the government wanted to start on April 1 till April 30. We however decided to start from this year for which the classes will be held till 11:30 am. The classes will resume in June. This timing is an indication that due care has been taken," he told the Bench.
He further asserted that all academicians are well aware of the problem and have taken a decision in the interest of the students. "This is in line with NEP and we have anyway delayed its implementation,” Pangam told the Court adding that during initial implementation such hiccups and objections are bound to happen.
The State informed the Court that Goa is not the only State to contemplate starting the academic year in April, there are many States that have already implemented it. "It is for the betterment of students and education. It's time to move on and adjust with it," he said.
For students up to Grade V, the classes will resume post summer vacation that is from June 4 onwards. The secondary and higher secondary students will have a month-long summer break from May 1 to June 3.
A group of parents and PTA, across the State, recently submitted representations to Chief Minister, Secretary Education and Director Education pointing out that neither they nor any other stakeholders were consulted or taken into confidence before taking such a major decision. They also said that they welcome NEP 2020 but oppose its hurried implementation.
Parents said that during the summer vacation in April-May, children used to indulge in additional enrichment programmes like coaching camps in various sports, and skill-based learning, apart from other relaxing activities.
