Panaji, Aug 21: Former Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Amit Patkar on Friday accused the BJP-led State government of unjustified interference in the functioning of minority educational institutions and gave the Pramod Sawant government 10 days to implement directions issued by the Bombay High Court at Goa.

Referring to the High Court judgment dated October 3, 2025, Patkar said the court had upheld the constitutional protection granted to minority educational institutions under Article 30(1), including their right to administer institutions and appoint qualified teachers in accordance with law.

Patkar claimed that the High Court had termed the Education Department’s insistence on a particular appointment procedure a “completely unjustified approach” that resulted in violation of the Society’s constitutional rights.

“The High Court has spoken clearly. The Constitution has spoken clearly. Why is the Pramod Sawant government still refusing to act?” Patkar asked.

He further claimed that the number of pending cases concerning appointments and service matters had increased from 107 to nearly 400. According to him, the pending matters involve appointments, regularisation, promotions, salaries, grants and other service-related benefits of teaching and non-teaching employees.

Patkar alleged that delays in granting approvals had caused financial hardship and uncertainty among employees and educational institutions.

“Behind every pending file is a teacher, an employee and a family waiting for certainty, salary, service benefits and dignity. This is not just paperwork. This is people’s livelihood and the stability of Goa’s education system,” he said.

Highlighting the scale of the issue, Patkar said the Diocesan Society of Education runs 138 educational institutions across Goa and has contributed significantly to the State’s education sector.

He maintained that the government has the authority to regulate educational standards and prescribe qualifications, but said there was a constitutional distinction between regulation and interference.

“Article 30 is a constitutional guarantee. It is not a favour being granted by the BJP government. The government can regulate standards, but it cannot use administrative power to undermine the autonomy guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said.

Patkar demanded that the Chief Minister explain why the cases remained pending even after the High Court’s directions. He called upon the government to take up all pending cases, grant approvals as directed by the court and resolve legitimate appointment, salary and service-related issues within 10 days.

Warning of an agitation if the government failed to act, Patkar said Congress would stand with affected teachers, non-teaching employees and educational institutions.

“If this government still refuses to act, we will take this fight from the files of the Education Department to the streets of Goa,” he said.

Patkar also urged the government not to allow political considerations or administrative disputes to affect schools, teachers and students.

“The High Court has given its judgment. The Constitution is clear. Now Pramod Sawant must act. Ten days — not another excuse, not another file, not another delay,” Patkar said.