Goa parents protest April school start decision

Parents in Goa are planning a large protest against the decision to start the new school year in April. This protest will take place in Panaji after their children's exams conclude. The parents want to show their strong opposition to this decision and raise awareness of their concerns. Currently, parents have filed a petition in the Bombay High Court at Goa, which is set to be heard on Monday. They are worried that the Education Directorate is unprepared for the National Education Policy 2020 changes, which will begin for Class VI. They claim that teachers were only recently called to attend a training program, suggesting a lack of readiness. Cecille Rodrigues, a parent representative, highlighted several issues. She mentioned that schools are not equipped with new timetables or resources and that security personnel hired on a contract basis are not available during the month of April. Parents are concerned for their children's safety during this time. Parents have also stated that if the court allows schools to reopen in April, they will not send their children to classes. They believe it is unwise to start school during the hot summer months without proper preparation.