MAPUSA
In a revealing session at the Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant attributed the closure of government primary schools in the State to a combination of a declining birth rate and a marked preference among parents for aided schools.
The Chief Minister's comments came in response to a pressing concern raised during the Zero Hour by Congress MLA Altone D’Costa. D’Costa highlighted a worrying trend that has seen 36 government primary schools shut down over the past two academic years. He emphasised that this development is causing considerable anxiety among the general public and called for the government to take proactive measures to reverse the trend.
“The falling birth rate and parents shifting their kids to aided schools have led to the shutting down of government schools,” Sawant told the House. The CM elaborated that many parents prefer to enrol their children in aided schools, which are often perceived to offer better facilities and quality of education compared to government-run institutions. This shift in parental preference has exacerbated the challenges faced by government primary schools, already struggling with dwindling student populations due to the declining birth rate.
Sawant assured the Assembly that the government is aware of the issue and is working on strategies to address the problem. However, he did not specify what measures would be taken to make government schools more attractive to parents and students.
D’Costa urged the government to act swiftly to restore public confidence in government schools. He pointed out that the closure of these schools is not just a matter of educational concern but also a social issue, as schools often serve as community centres in rural areas.
Education experts have suggested several measures that the government could adopt to mitigate this issue. These include improving the infrastructure and facilities of government schools, enhancing the quality of education through better training for teachers, and implementing programs that encourage parents to choose government schools for their children.
The closure of government primary schools poses a significant challenge for the state's education system, particularly in rural areas where these schools play a crucial role in providing accessible education. The government’s response to this issue will be critical in determining the future landscape of primary education in Goa.
