Panaji, Goa | 21 August 2026 Former Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar today launched a strong attack on the Pramod Sawant-led BJP Government over the Education Department’s interference in the functioning and constitutional rights of minority educational institutions in Goa, and demanded immediate implementation of the Bombay High Court at Goa judgment.
“The High Court has spoken clearly. The Constitution has spoken clearly. Why is the Pramod Sawant Government still refusing to act?” Patkar questioned.
Patkar said the judgment dated 3 October 2025 upheld the constitutional protection available to minority educational institutions under Article 30(1) of the Constitution of India, including their right to administer their institutions and select and appoint qualified teachers in accordance with law.
The High Court termed the Education Department’s insistence on a particular appointment procedure a “completely unjustified approach” which resulted in violation of the Society’s constitutional rights under Article 30.
Patkar said the issue cannot be dismissed as a routine administrative dispute.
“When the High Court itself has found the Government’s approach completely unjustified and violative of constitutional rights, the Chief Minister cannot remain silent. The people of Goa deserve to know why the Education Department created these hurdles in the first place.”
FROM 107 PENDING CASES TO NEARLY 400 — WHY WAS THE GOVERNMENT SITTING ON THESE FILES?
Patkar said the number of pending cases has reportedly increased from 107 to nearly 400, affecting appointments, regularisation, promotions, salaries, grants and service-related benefits of teachers and non-teaching employees.
He said the Government’s insistence on the manner in which appointment orders were to be processed resulted in approvals being withheld, forcing employees and educational institutions into prolonged uncertainty.
“Why should a teacher who has served Goa’s children for years be forced to wait endlessly for an approval? Why should employees suffer financially because files are kept pending? Why should institutions be compelled to approach the High Court simply to protect a constitutional right?”
Patkar said these delays have real consequences for families.
“Behind every pending file is a teacher, an employee and a family waiting for certainty, salary, service benefits and dignity. This is not just paperwork. This is people’s livelihood and the stability of Goa’s education system.”
138 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS — THOUSANDS OF GOAN STUDENTS AT STAKE
Patkar pointed out that the Diocesan Society of Education runs 138 educational institutions across Goa and has played an important role in educating generations of Goans.
“These institutions have helped shape doctors, engineers, teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders. Their contribution to Goa cannot be reduced to a bureaucratic file.”
“When the Government destabilises institutions of this scale, it is not merely interfering with management. It is creating uncertainty for teachers, employees, parents and thousands of Goan students.”
He added:
“Goa’s children cannot be made to pay the price for this Government’s administrative failure and political arrogance.”
HIGH COURT QUASHED GOVERNMENT ACTION — ACCOUNTABILITY CANNOT END THERE
Patkar pointed out that the High Court quashed the impugned action of the Education Department and directed that individual cases be taken up for regular appointment and that approvals kept pending on the disputed ground be granted.
“The judgment is clear. The Government has no justification to continue sitting on these cases.”
Patkar demanded that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant explain why employees were made to suffer and why a constitutional dispute was allowed to escalate to this extent.
“When the Court has to step in and correct the Government, political accountability cannot disappear behind the walls of the Education Department.”
REGULATION IS THE GOVERNMENT’S RIGHT — INTERFERENCE IS NOT
Patkar clarified that no one is questioning the State Government’s legitimate responsibility to maintain educational standards, prescribe qualifications and prevent maladministration.
“But there is a constitutional difference between regulation and interference.”
“Article 30 is a constitutional guarantee. It is not a favour being granted by the BJP Government. The Government can regulate standards, but it cannot use administrative power to undermine the autonomy guaranteed by the Constitution.”
10-DAY ULTIMATUM TO PRAMOD SAWANT GOVERNMENT
Patkar gave the State Government 10 days to implement the High Court’s directions in letter and spirit.
“I give the Pramod Sawant Government 10 days. Take up all pending cases. Grant the approvals directed by the Court. Resolve the legitimate appointment, salary and service-related issues of the affected employees. Stop forcing teachers and institutions to run from pillar to post.”
He warned that failure to act would lead to a democratic agitation.
“If this Government still refuses to act, we will take this fight from the files of the Education Department to the streets of Goa.”
“We will stand with the affected teachers, non-teaching staff and educational institutions and launch a democratic agitation. The responsibility for that agitation will rest entirely with the Pramod Sawant Government.”
“DO NOT PLAY POLITICS WITH GOA’S SCHOOLS”
Patkar said education must remain above political vendetta and administrative high-handedness.
“You can fight the Opposition. You can disagree with us politically. But do not make Goa’s teachers, schools and children casualties of your politics.”
“Our teachers deserve dignity. Our employees deserve justice. Our educational institutions deserve stability. And Goa’s children deserve uninterrupted education.”
Patkar concluded with a direct message to the Chief Minister:
“The High Court has given its judgment. The Constitution is clear. Now Pramod Sawant must act.”
“Ten days — not another excuse, not another file, not another delay.”
“If the Government fails to act, we will stand with the people and fight democratically until justice is delivered.”
*Amit Patkar*
Former President, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee
