NEP, Credit Framework Implementation Comes Under Scanner in Goa Assembly

Concerns regarding the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Credit Framework (NCrF) were raised in the Goa Legislative Assembly, with legislators seeking detailed clarification on instructional hours, student workload, and the safety of school infrastructure across the state. MLA Altone D’Costa questioned the government on the total number of instructional hours prescribed under the NEP and NCrF and how these hours are distributed throughout the academic year.

He also asked what measures the government is taking to ensure that the framework is implemented uniformly in all schools. In addition, D’Costa sought information on whether structural safety audits of school buildings had been conducted and if any infrastructure failures had been reported in the last five years. MLA Yuri Alemao also expressed concerns about the implementation of the framework, stating that assessments of instructional hours and student workload had not been carried out in accordance with the NCrF guidelines. He pointed out that the framework prescribes 1,200 instructional hours annually and questioned the government’s decision to require students to attend school during April.

Responding in the House, Chief Minister and Education Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said the government had consulted stakeholders before introducing the NEP and deciding to begin the academic year in April. He clarified that academic activities are conducted for only around 20 days during the month. Sawant explained that the NEP requires schools to complete 1,100 institutional hours, along with an additional 100 hours dedicated to extracurricular activities each year. These additional hours, he said, provide schools with flexibility to organise activities related to innovation, arts, and other creative fields.

The Chief Minister also maintained that the NEP has received broad acceptance. According to him, there have been no complaints regarding its implementation, and both teachers and students have adapted to the new system while meeting the required 1,200 instructional hours. Addressing concerns about school infrastructure, Sawant assured the Assembly that structural audits of all government school buildings would be completed within a month. He added that several schools have already undergone such audits and their structures have been declared safe.