Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday told the Goa Legislative Assembly that the State government is preparing a scheme to regularise contractual teachers and other staff working in the education sector. Responding during the discussion on demands for grants, Sawant said the proposal includes granting permanent status to teachers who have completed 10 years of service. He clarified that no lecture-based or contract staff are being dismissed and confirmed they are currently paid as per contractual terms.
Sawant added that the government will soon carry out a qualification review of all teachers employed in government and aided schools and colleges. Those who fail to meet the eligibility criteria will be removed from service, and a detailed report will be presented in the next Assembly session.
The Chief Minister also revealed plans for setting up a common campus for professional colleges. He said the government has acquired around 1.20 lakh square metres of land from Goa University for this purpose. Professional colleges located in Panaji will be shifted to the new facility, with the foundation stone expected to be laid soon.
Speaking on transport infrastructure, Sawant announced that ageing Balrath buses—those over 15 years old—will be replaced in a phased manner. Schools that were early participants in the scheme will receive new buses first. However, buses that clear RTO fitness tests will continue operating. He also mentioned that operational grants for the Balrath scheme will be provided to school managements in one installment in September, and no new school applications for the scheme will be accepted.
Highlighting progress in education, Sawant declared that Goa has achieved 100 per cent literacy, officially recognised by the Union Government. As part of this effort, even local self-government members had to take literacy tests. On infrastructure, he stated that 90 per cent of government primary schools have been repaired, with the rest to be completed in the next six months.
On mining, the Chief Minister said that 20 ore dumps in South Goa have been marked for e-auction in the first phase. He also confirmed that the 31st e-auction of previously extracted ore will be held within the month. Regarding sand mining, Sawant acknowledged that the issue remains unresolved but assured the House that efforts are underway to find a solution.
