Chennai, Feb 28 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking initiative for advocates of regional languages in Tamil Nadu, the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has announced its decision to implement Tamil as a medium of instruction in select Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) on a trial basis.

This decision signifies the first official effort by the Central school system to incorporate a regional language as a primary teaching medium within its educational framework.

The announcement was made by R. Senthil Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of the KVS's Chennai Region, following a request from Coimbatore activist V. Eswaran, who advocated for the use of Tamil in the Kendriya Vidyalaya located in Sowripalayam, Coimbatore, on January 28, 2026.

The official letter dated February 23, 2026, confirmed that the organization is currently evaluating the proposal through this pilot program.

In his correspondence, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted that Kendriya Vidyalayas are categorized as "special category schools" under Section 2(p) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

These schools were originally established to cater to the educational needs of children from transferable Central government and defense personnel, ensuring that schooling remains consistent despite family relocations during the academic year.

Operating under policies crafted by the Central government, Kendriya Vidyalayas also follow guidelines issued by KVS within the RTE framework for admissions.

While retaining this unique status, the Sangathan has commenced efforts to identify specific schools where Tamil can be introduced as a medium of instruction on an experimental basis.

The communication further noted that a comprehensive decision regarding the introduction of regional languages as mediums of instruction in additional Kendriya Vidyalayas will be made after assessing the results of this pilot initiative.

In reaction to the news, Eswaran characterized the decision as a "significant breakthrough" in the long-standing pursuit of increasing the presence of Tamil within the Kendriya Vidyalaya system.

He pointed out that many KVs in Tamil Nadu do not consistently provide Tamil as an additional subject, often attributing this to a lack of qualified teachers.

Consequently, numerous students finish their education without sufficient exposure to Tamil, the official language of the state.

Eswaran expressed optimism that this pilot initiative would lead to a broader acceptance of regional languages within the Central school network.