The Goa Forward Party (GFP), today, Monday, May 27, demanded to defer the date of reopening of schools from June 4 to a later date as the counting of the Lok Sabha election is also scheduled on the same day.

The GFP General Secretary Durgadas Kamat, speaking to media persons, said that they are seeking intervention from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant regarding this issue, reported IANS.

"We demand deferring reopening of schools from June 4 to any other day (June 5 or 6) as Lok Sabha election counting falls on the same day. The academic year of children should start on a healthy note and not in a mess as many teaching staff will be deployed for counting," Kamat added.

He said that as Chief Minister Sawant also holds the educational portfolio, he should reconsider the date of reopening of schools in the state.

The Lok Sabha election for two seats of the coastal state was held on May 7 during the third phase of polling.

Meanwhile, the state’s Education Director Shailesh Zingde has said that so far, there is no plan to reschedule the reopening date for schools.

On the other hand, the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) commenced the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) supplementary examination today, May 27.