We have been, for sometime now, inundated with the pros and cons of Konkani V/s English medium of instructions in Goa's Primary Schools. To start with, that the medium of instructions in our primary schools should be the perplexing issue nagging at us after 48 long years of Goa's so called LIBERATION only goes to show that our leaders who ruled us for this long were leaders of no substance at all with no clear vision for the future.
The Goa Su-Raj Party was formed with a complete understanding about the issues at stake in Goa, affecting Goa and Goans and therefore, in order to rule out any misunderstanding in its intent, and further, not to be seen as SCAVENGING for ideas on how to govern after coming to power, the Party has come out with a full-fledged document - the Party's Road Map for Goa, touching almost every aspect of governance of Goa. We believe that primary education, being the laying of the foundation of the GenNext of Goa is best imparted in the mother tongue. That there is no equivalent to this, whatsoever, irrespective of the merits of 'english' or whatever. If we didn't do this, we would be building our GenNext without a foundation. And this is not acceptable. We would like to transcribe the Chapter dedicated to EDUCATION [Chap IX] for the benefit of our readers so that they know the stand of this Party, especially with respect to the 'medium of instructions' in Goa's Primary Schools. Abstract: [IX] Education: The entire education system in Goa shall be reviewed through debates, seminars and free discussions involving academics, pedagogues, student/parent associations etc., to bring out a 'WHITE PAPER'. The focus shall be shifted from Exam Oriented Education to 'Practical & Knowledge Oriented Education. State of the art 'Primary School System" infrastructure shall be introduced to make the Primary Schools in the State the best in the Indian Union and comparable to the best in the world. This we intend doing since the primary education is the foundation for future generations in this competitive world. Syllabi and examination patterns from primary school to university level shall be reviewed/changed to effect upgradation. Educational institutions shall be freed from political influence and/or interference and shall be accorded autonomous status. Sex education as well as education on drug related influence on human body and mind and its ill effects shall be introduced in schools. Cell phone culture in schools shall be discouraged/arrested. Dramatic arts and Indian/Western dance and music culture shall be included in school curricula to being out/develop latent talents in Goan youth. 1. Government Primary Schools: The Party envisages sate of the art universal plan for primary school buildings complete with facilities like school bus (universal design and coulour); canteen, playground, garden/gardening area and audio visual teaching aids etc. Primary teachers shall be selected on basis of merit for acceptable temperament towards children and impeccable moral standing. Teaching shall be on 'no home work' basis and mostly based on excursions to factories, mining areas, hospitals, places of importance like agricultural farms, bird sanctuaries, zoos, water falls, monuments etc.,. so that the young minds are exposed to real life experiences. Emphasis shall be strongly laid on teaching of 'secular moral values' Note: The justification fro this sustained expenditure is that if the government can afford to spend rupees 150 crores on IFFI related infrastructure with Rs. 24 crores spent on the renovation works of the Kala Academy, which infrastructure has been reduced to naught in just one heavy down-pour, and not just renovation, but another two or more Kala Academies could have been built with the same amount, the Goa government can and should spend more on primary school infrastructure as it is in the interest of Goa's future. 2. Medium of Instructions: Primary education shall be imparted in the state language 'Konkani'. English language shall be a compulsory subject, taught with modern aids and excellent teaching staff to make primary students fully capable of easy and effortless transition from primary to secondary levels. Choice of studying other languages in the secondary level shall rest on the students on language class basis offered by the concerned secondary school. 3. High School and Higher Secondary Level: Education at this level requires that the student imbibes high moral, social values as well as respect for all types of work. A student should come out at the end as a responsible, well-mannered and cultured being. The party shall strive to achieve this aim. 4. University & College Campuses: The Goa University shal be totally de-linked from political interference through granting of autonomous status. The role of the government shall be limited to see that the overall functioning of the institution is satisfactory and remains secular at all times. It shall excel as the hub of advanced learning with world-wide acceptance for its graduate and post graduate degrees and diplomas. The present layout of the Goa University campus shall be brought under professional review. Library facilities of the GU shall be further enhanced to remain open on all days till late evenings. Education shall be made affordable to economically backward families with a well defined system of evaluation of such status. The syllabi for higher education in Goa shall be re-formulated based on people's needs and not according to corporate pressures. Considering the wealth of historical records at Goa Archives, research fellowships shall be initiated for junior and senior scholars to work on Goa's history. Advanced learning with world-wide acceptance for its graduate and post graduate degree and diploma holders shall be made available. Marine science, agricultural, eco and environment related studies, languages, tourism-related studies etc. shall be encouraged. 5. Technical Education & Vocational Training: Students who are sluggish in academic studies shall be guided in vocational training through aptitude testing. Vocational training such as plumbing, electrical wiring, carpentry, turning, pottery, painting, food-processing, beverage technology and various other vocations shall be made available. Steel fitting and centering work in the construction industry which is a major industry is totally relying on manpower from across the borders. Training facilities in these fields shall be made available to enhance scope for employment and give proper direction to the construction industry. 6. Extra Curricular Activities: Introduction of sports in schools, such as gymnastics, swimming, music, dance, drama etc. on par with developed countries. No government school and/or government aided school will be allowed to be set up without such facilities. Note: Our education system does not encourage the development of a socially responsible mind. Our graduates are in any cases persons who are social ignorants - what they learn by rote cannot be related to life as a whole. End Floriano Lobo Gen. Sec./Spokesperson Goa Su-Raj Party 9890470896
