Chennai, Sep 11 (NationPress) In an effort to combat caste-based discrimination in educational institutions, the Tamil Nadu School Education Department has released stringent guidelines cautioning teachers that serious consequences will follow if they endorse caste or communal sentiments among students or within school grounds.

This initiative arises from increasing worries about the growing instances of caste-related violence among students in schools and colleges.

A comprehensive report by Justice K. Chandru’s one-man committee had previously highlighted these issues, prompting the government to take action.

According to the recent circular, Chief Education Officers (CEOs) in various districts have been tasked with implementing strategies that promote equality, social justice, and unity among students.

The guidelines explicitly require immediate action in cases where teachers are discovered to be fostering caste or communal bias. CEOs are instructed to promptly investigate such complaints and, if substantiated, facilitate the teacher’s transfer. A thorough report on these incidents must also be submitted to the department.

The circular further underscores the importance of confidentiality in handling scholarship-related issues for students from marginalized communities.

Schools have been urged to contact eligible students individually when gathering information or distributing scholarships, and to refrain from keeping or displaying such records publicly.

Additionally, to encourage leadership and teamwork among children, schools are directed to implement the “Magizh Mutram” program. This initiative is designed to build skills for coexistence and collective responsibility through organized school activities.

The department has also reiterated the prohibition of mobile phones on school premises. Any confiscated devices must be returned to parents by the school principal.

Moreover, schools are instructed to continue “Araneri” classes based on the Thirukkural, which aims to instill values of discipline and morality in students.

To further protect student welfare, all schools must maintain “complaint boxes” outside their premises. These boxes will provide a confidential avenue for students to express grievances, whether they arise in school or at home, thereby ensuring prompt support and intervention.

The School Education Department has made it abundantly clear that fostering a discrimination-free environment and promoting inclusivity are paramount in Tamil Nadu's educational framework.