GFP seeks clarity on merger of schools

Panaji: Questioning the intent behind the merger of around 200 government primary schools, GFP on Thursday said that the education department needs to provide clarity on the issue. The education department, in response to GFP’s RTI query, said it has no files or minutes regarding the proposal.
GFP said that chief minister Pramod Sawant appears to be testing the waters before handing over government-owned school buildings to a certain NGO.
“The education director says that the process to merge schools has been initiated, the CM says no schools will be shut after being merged and the department says it has no information,” GFP general secretary Durgadas Kamat said.
He cited data provided by Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation to show that Rs 34.2 crore was spent over the last four years to repair government schools.
“Does this government want to close schools and then give the renovated schools to a certain NGO? ” Kamat said.