Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Aug 17: In the last five years, 67 government primary schools across Goa have either been shut down or merged due to poor enrolment, according to records from the Directorate of Education.

Of these, 50 schools were closed entirely for want of students, while 17 were merged with neighbouring institutions. Officials revealed that out of 680 government primary schools currently functional, 42 are at risk of closure as they record five or fewer students. GPS Chandor has already started the new academic year 2025-26 with zero enrolment.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the education portfolio, admitted during the recent assembly session that parents continue to prefer privately managed aided schools over government-run institutions despite improved infrastructure.

The data further highlights a staffing crisis, with 592 teaching positions across primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools being handled by contract, lecture-basis, or part-time teachers. Vacancies include 347 primary teachers, 208 assistant teachers, 211 teacher grade-I/ADEIs, and 26 headmasters in secondary schools. There is also a shortage of 29 drawing teachers, even though art education has been introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP).

The situation is particularly grim in higher secondary schools, where only 17 permanent teachers are on roll, compared to 197 working on lecture or daily wage basis.

A proposal has been sent to the Goa Staff Selection Commission to fill 318 primary teacher posts, 14 trained English teacher posts, and 118 assistant teacher posts. Additionally, the Goa Public Service Commission has been tasked with filling 111 ADEI posts and 21 headmaster posts through direct recruitment.