Tamil Nadu's education policy is sufficient, no need for NEP: TN Education Minister Rajmohan
Chennai, May 29
Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Rajmohan on Friday reiterated the state government's opposition to the National Education Policy and the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, asserting that Tamil Nadu's existing education policy adequately serves the state's needs.
Speaking to reporters after launching the admission drive for the 2026-27 academic year at Dhanakodi Middle School in Chennai's Chintadripet, Rajmohan said the state's long-standing two-language policy would continue without any change.
"State Education Policy is fine for Tamil Nadu. The two-language policy will always remain in Tamil Nadu. There is no doubt about it," the minister said.
On the issue of NEET, Rajmohan said the government had maintained a consistent position against the examination and would continue its legal efforts on the matter.
"We are in the same stand as before coming to government. We are against NEET. Legal proceedings are going on and we will continue to pursue it legally," he said.
The minister, accompanied by School Education Department Secretary Chandramohan and other officials, inaugurated the statewide student admission campaign and welcomed children by distributing uniforms, textbooks, chocolates and other learning materials.
Addressing the media, Rajmohan said the department had set a target of enrolling four lakh students during the current academic year.
"Today, we have launched the student admission drive. We welcomed the children by giving them books, uniforms and chocolates, and also greeted them with flower garlands. We have set a target of enrolling four lakh students. Across Tamil Nadu, there is not much difference between admissions in private schools and government schools. The admission numbers are almost equal," he said.
The minister also highlighted steps being taken to improve school infrastructure, particularly sanitation facilities.
"We have signed measures to ensure toilet facilities in all schools. Like toilets, every facility in schools should be maintained properly, and we are working with that intention," Rajmohan said.
He said the government had identified schools functioning with only one teacher and directed officials to take immediate corrective action wherever necessary.
Rajmohan also stressed the importance of child safety in schools, noting that helpline numbers had been included in textbooks and teachers had received training to respond to complaints related to sexual harassment and other issues.
"Along with the School Education Department, four departments will stand by the affected persons," he said.
Referring again to the NEP, Rajmohan said Tamil Nadu's own education policy, designed around the state's requirements and welfare, was sufficient and there was no need to adopt the National Education Policy. He added that the government would continue implementing educational schemes without politicising them and ensure benefits reached students effectively.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Respect the minister's stand, but is it really about students' welfare or political posturing? NEP promotes mother tongue education anyway. And NEET - if Tamil students want to compete nationally, shouldn't they be tested fairly? Just worried this constant opposition might isolate Tamil students in the long run. But glad they're fixing school toilets - that's basic dignity our children deserve.
As a Tamilian who studied in government schools, I can tell you the state system has strong foundations. Our teachers are dedicated, and the syllabus is well-structured. But two-language policy limits exposure - my nephew struggles with Hindi outside Tamil Nadu. Maybe a middle ground? Keep Tamil, add English and Hindi as optional. NEET opposition is justified though - our rural students deserve equal chance. 🇮🇳
Interesting perspective from the US here. In America, states like California and Texas have significant control over education, and it works well because they adapt to local demographics. But we also have national standards like Common Core. Is there room for a hybrid model in India - state flexibility with national benchmarks? The NEET issue seems particularly complex given the equity concerns raised.
Love that they're enrolling 4 lakh students and fixing basic infrastructure! But honestly, the real issue is quality, not quantity. My cousin in a Chennai govt school still doesn't have a computer lab they promised years ago. And please, stop politicizing education - NEP has good elements like vocational training and critical thinking. Look at Finland - they focus on learning outcomes, not political battles. 🤔
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