Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 14: Even as the Goa government pushes ahead with implementation of the National Education Policy by 2027-28, official data reveals that a large number of schools — particularly government-run institutions — are yet to be adequately equipped for the transition.

According to information tabled in the Assembly by Chief Minister and Education Minister Pramod Sawant, as many as 409 government schools in the state do not have computer or science laboratories. A similar number are also without digital classrooms.

The gap is significant given that the NEP emphasises experiential learning and integration of technology into the teaching process.

The shortfall is most severe in Bicholim, where 68 schools lack laboratories and 56 do not have digital classrooms. Pernem follows closely, with 63 schools without labs and 58 lacking digital infrastructure.

Even relatively urbanised Bardez reports 55 schools without laboratories and 56 without digital classrooms. In Quepem, 55 schools are without both facilities, while Canacona has 54 such schools.

Dharbandora has 47 schools lacking labs and 46 without digital classrooms. In Salcete, 32 schools do not have laboratories and 34 lack digital facilities, with one school even reported to be without a toilet.

Tiswadi has 23 schools without smart classrooms, while Mormugao reports 17 such schools and three without laboratories.

The government’s own response underlines that NEP implementation hinges on “integration of technology and e-content” and adoption of competency-based, experiential learning methods.

However, the lack of basic infrastructure such as labs and digital classrooms raises concerns over the state’s readiness to effectively implement these reforms.

Meanwhile, Sanguem, Ponda and Sattari have achieved full laboratory coverage, though a few schools in these talukas are still awaiting digital classroom facilities.

The data highlights a critical gap between policy goals and ground-level preparedness, even as the state moves towards full NEP implementation.