Even though rules framed under the Goa School Education Act, 1984, make it compulsory for every secondary school to have library reading hours for students of standards V to VII, a majority of schools in the state do not have a proper library, leave alone books to read.
The latest survey of the National University for Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) reveals that Goa ranks much below the national average when it comes to possessing book banks. Only 18.32% of the 868 primary schools surveyed in rural Goa have a book bank, while only 47.62% of the 21 upper primary schools surveyed in the villages have a book bank. Of the surveyed 126 high schools with attached primary, upper primary and higher secondary sections, only 21.43% have a book bank.
In urban Goa, of the 145 primary schools surveyed only 17.93% have a book bank and of the three upper primary schools surveyed only one has a book bank. Of the 43 high schools with attached primary, upper primary and higher secondary schools in urban areas only 11.63% have a book bank.
Education officials say that even in case of schools that have a library, some schools restrict their library collection to curriculum textbooks and reference books alone. Officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, say that huge funds are allotted to schools annually, but it’s up to the schools to utilize the amount in an appropriate manner.
Funds for library are part of the maintenance grant given to Schools, say officials. Depending on pupil strength and school size, this grant varies from Rs 20,000 to Rs 80,000 per annum. Officials say that in most cases this grant ends up being used for repairs, salaries and school infrastructure but not the libraries. Schools on the other hand attribute the lack of space and funds as the major hurdle in maintaining full fledged libraries.
A report submitted to the state government by the Bharatiya Jain Sangathana early this year, to make recommendations for improvement of the quality of education in Goa, states that 60 to 70% of primary schools in Goa do not have a library room or reading room or the necessary furniture. The report, under consideration of the state government for implementation of its suggestions, has recommended priority allocation of funds for enhancing library facilities’. It has also suggested that the directorate of education should launch a campaign to create an awareness of the importance of libraries for students.
Courtesy: TOI
