AN ASSURING CM OF GOA REFUSES TO MEET AGITATING PARENTS

MARGAO: The agitating parents, who have come under the Forum for Rights of Children’s Education and supported by former tourism minister, Mr Francisco Xavier Pacheco alias Mickky, have given deadline of May 7 to the government to include English language as medium of instruction, under the right to education.

Over 160 rallying parents met at the Fatima Convent School and marched to the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat’s residence for an audience. When he refused, they tried to force their way in, but were arrested by the police.

The protesting parents shouted slogans against the Chief Minister while courting arrest at the Margao police station.

After releasing the 160 protestors unconditionally, the deputy collector, Mr Agnelo Fernandes assured the parents that he would convey to the authorities and the Chief Minister the demands made by them. At this point, Mr Pacheco joined the protestors.

A memorandum to be submitted to the Chief Minister by the FORCE said that its demand is not in any way communal and acceptance of its demand will not involve any increase in budgetary allocation for these primary schools.

It has reminded Mr Kamat that its movement has been peaceful throughout. However, there have been a number of other movements, during this same period that resulted in injury and public loss, and in these cases the government has been quick to reopen negotiations.

The protestors reiterated their demand on acceptance of English with Marathi and Konkani and any regional language as medium of instruction.  “If they feel that English is de-culturing the state, then close down all private English-medium schools in Goa,” said Mr Savio Lopes, the FORCE secretary.

Stating that the next course of action would be revealed on May 7, Mr Lopes said all MLAs and ministers whose children are studying in English-medium schools should be sent to schools in regional languages.  The FORCE secretary informed that from various schools across Goa they have collected 51,372 signatures on a single day.