Margao/Mapusa/Valpoi: Students protested the abrupt transfer and replacement of lecture-basis teachers across Goa on Friday, with some of them boycotting classes at govt higher secondary schools in Sanguem, Pernem and Valpoi and demanding continuity in teaching ahead of the Oct examinations.In Sanguem, students staged a protest at the bus stand before moving to the school premises. They demanded that authorities reconsider the transfers and ensure that teaching is not disrupted. Local MLA Subhash Phal Dessai met the students, heard their grievances, and assured them that he would seek a solution in consultation with the education department.In Pernem, around 500 students boycotted classes for the second consecutive day and staged a sit-in, which also drew support from local political leaders. In Valpoi, students protested against the transfer of six teachers and submitted a memorandum to the school principal.Amid the growing protests, director of education Shailesh Zingde said that the changes followed the recruitment process for Grade I higher secondary teachers. He said the posts are filled equally through promotion and direct recruitment, based on recommendations of the Goa Public Service Commission (GPSC).“Accordingly, as per the GPSC recommendations, 78 candidates were offered promotion and were directed to confirm their acceptance within a week. Those who accepted joined immediately,” Zingde said.He said the appointments resulted in the displacement of teachers working on a lecture basis, but govt had made arrangements for them.“Govt has been considerate enough to accommodate the displaced teachers into Goa Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan through a notified CM Gyan Parva Yojana,” Zingde said.Defending the newly promoted teachers, Zingde said they were equally competent. “The new teachers are adequately qualified and well-experienced,” he said.
