India, Jan. 28 -- The Goa education department has proposed to start the school academic year in the state from April 1 rather than early June, angering parents and teachers who have questioned the rationale behind the decision.

So far, Goa's academic year started in the first week of June, coinciding with the onset of the monsoon, after a six to eight week 'summer' holiday through April and May

The education department has proposed to change this and begin the academic year in April followed by a one-month break in May before resuming the session in June.

"April is one of the hottest months in Goa, with high temperatures and humidity creating extremely uncomfortable and unhealthy conditions for students and teachers. Most schools lack...