Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte engages with the parents of the nursery and primary section of Vidya Prabodhini School.

Photo Credits: Anil Shankhwalker

PORVORIM
Parents from the primary section of Prabodhan Education Society rallied together on Saturday to seek intervention from local MLA and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte regarding their ongoing dispute with the school management.

The parents have been in contention with the management of Vidhya Prabodhini School since June 14, following the relocation of nursery and primary classes up to the 4th standard to a new building near Nana Nani Park, adjacent to the waste treatment plant of Penha de Franca Panchayat. They expressed concerns over potential health risks to young children due to the proximity to the waste treatment facility. Their demand is for the classes to be moved back to the old Vidya Prabodhini building near the Goa Board premises.

Facing an unresponsive management, the parents and children gathered at the Vidya Prabodhini School near the Goa Board on Saturday to press their request for the children to be allowed to attend classes at the old premises. However, their plea was not accommodated by the school management.

In response to the impasse, the parents decided to approach Tourism Minister Khaunte to intervene. During their meeting, Khaunte clarified that the wet garbage collected by Penha de Franca is transported to the garbage treatment plant in Saligao, emphasising that no garbage is stored in Porvorim. He also noted that plastic materials collected are treated locally.

Acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue, Khaunte expressed his inability to directly interfere in the school management’s decisions, citing potential political implications. Instead, he assured the parents of his commitment to facilitate a joint meeting involving the Penha de Franca Panchayat, school management, and concerned parents.

The parents left the meeting hopeful that the Minister’s intervention would lead to a resolution that prioritises the health and educational environment of the young students at Prabodhan Education Society.