MARGAO, April 2 -- Team Herald

In a five-page memorandum, South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes has formally urged Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan to review the decision to start the new academic year in April for government and aided schools in the State. His appeal follows protests from students and parents who argue that the shift is impractical and detrimental to childrens' well-being.

Parents, who recently submitted a memorandum to the MP opposing the change, said their primary concerns include extreme summer heat and inadequate school infrastructure.

"Traditionally, even before Liberation, schools in Goa concluded by the first week of April, allowing students to travel, rest and enjoy time with family before reope...