Goa, July 29 -- A discussion in the Goa Legislative Assembly on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 sparked a detailed debate on the 1,200 annual learning hours mandated by the Directorate of Education, with the Aldona MLA questioning whether this would add to the stress and burden on students.

In response, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant clarified that the stipulated 1,200 hours do not refer solely to classroom teaching, but encompass total learning time. This includes instructional time in schools, time spent on assignments and home study, sports, arts, co-curricular engagements, and experiential learning activities.

"We are encouraging hands-on activities and project-based learning, reducing academic burden on...