GOA’S EDUCATION SYSTEM UNDER FIRE: PARENTS ALLEGE “DONATION RACKET” IN SCHOOL & COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
Fear, forced purchases, soaring fees and silence from authorities leave families frustrated
Margao | May 8, 2026 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HVCryFkkR20
Serious allegations are once again being raised against sections of Goa’s education system, with parents accusing some schools and higher secondary institutions of turning admissions into a “money-making business” rather than a service dedicated to educating children.
Parents across Goa claim that unofficial donations, expensive admission procedures, compulsory purchases, and fear of victimisation have become common realities during school and higher secondary admissions.
Many parents allege that despite repeated public complaints over the years, authorities continue to deny the existence of irregularities in admissions and fee collections.
“Schools are no longer focused on values, discipline and community living. Everything has become commercialised,” said one frustrated parent.
FEAR OF LOSING ADMISSION
Several parents allege they are afraid to openly complain because they fear their children may lose admission opportunities or face discrimination later.
According to complaints received from various localities, some institutions allegedly compel parents to:
- Buy uniforms only from school-appointed tailors or selected shops
- Purchase textbooks only from specific stores or directly from schools
- Pay high admission-related charges without transparency
- Spend thousands of rupees merely on application forms for different streams
Parents say that application forms for Science, Commerce and Arts streams can together cost more than Rs 2,000 in a single institution.
“EDUCATION HAS BECOME A BIG RACKET”
Critics allege that certain prestigious institutions, including some church-run higher secondary schools, are charging fees running close to Rs 10,000 or more during admissions.
“Education has become a big racket. Parents are helpless because they want the best future for their children,” another parent alleged.
Many older citizens also lament the decline of traditional school values.
“In our days, schools taught manners, discipline, respect and community living. Today everything is business-oriented,” said a retired teacher from South Goa.
QUESTIONS RAISED OVER GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
Parents are also questioning the response of the government and education authorities.
Some claim written complaints were previously submitted to political leaders and ministers, yet no meaningful action followed.
Allegations have also resurfaced regarding earlier statements made in the Goa Assembly denying complaints about donation practices in educational institutions.
Parents now demand:
- Transparent fee structures
- Strict action against illegal donations
- Regulation of uniform and textbook sales
- Protection for whistleblower parents and students
- Public grievance mechanisms for admissions
CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Education activists say the government must conduct surprise audits of schools and higher secondary institutions to restore public confidence.
“Education cannot become a marketplace where parents are forced to pay whatever is demanded out of fear,” an activist stated.
As admissions for the new academic year gather pace, pressure is mounting on the Education Department and the Goa government to address growing public anger over alleged commercialisation in the education sector.
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