Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: To safeguard the academic interests of Class IV students at Shree Mahalaxmi Primary School, run by Mushtifund Saunstha, the Goa government has permitted the school to prepare its own question papers based on the NCERT syllabus and framework. However, the examinations will proceed as scheduled in October under the State’s centralised summative exam system.
The Panaji-based school had sparked controversy after independently shifting to the NCERT syllabus for Class IV this year, instead of following the SCERT curriculum prescribed for all government, aided, and several private schools. The matter came up at the NEP Steering Committee meeting chaired by Education Secretary Prasad Lolayekar, where it was agreed that students should not bear the consequences of the school’s unilateral move.
SCERT Director Meghana Shetgaonkar told The Goan that the committee, though critical of the violation, decided to allow NCERT-based question papers for this year in order to avoid disruption for students. “The school should have informed us. But if we force SCERT papers now, children will be at a loss, and we don’t want that,” she said. Directions will soon be issued to permit such NCERT-based papers within the framework of the October common exam.
Currently, Goa is implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in phases, covering Balvatika I–III and Classes VI, IX, and X. Mushtifund, however, introduced NCERT textbooks for Class IV prematurely.
Admitting lapses, school representative Dilip Dharwadkar said the management relied on a circular that listed both NCERT and SCERT books. “We acted in good faith. Now that SCERT has mandated common papers, we will work with the authorities to ensure no student suffers,” he assured.
