Why is the CPI Urging the TN Government to Reform Class 11 Admissions?

Chennai, June 8 (NationPress) The state secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), R. Mutharasan, has urged the Tamil Nadu government to take action against government higher secondary schools that are reportedly denying Class 11 admissions to students based on their Class 10 marks.

In a compelling statement, the senior CPI leader highlighted that numerous complaints have surfaced from across the state, indicating that several government schools are selectively admitting only top performers while rejecting those with average academic records.

He criticized this practice as being against the state's commitment to social justice and fair education.

"This type of academic discrimination is both unfair and harmful, especially for students from marginalized and economically disadvantaged backgrounds," Mutharasan emphasized, expressing solidarity with the students affected.

He noted that Tamil Nadu has implemented various forward-thinking initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive education and minimizing school dropouts. Programs such as the free breakfast initiative and the Pudhumai Penn scheme have notably enhanced school retention and higher education enrollment rates, particularly among girls, he pointed out.

Reflecting on last year's academic successes, Mutharasan mentioned that 241 government schools achieved a 100 percent pass rate in the Class 10 public examinations, showcasing the hard work of teachers and the effectiveness of the state's educational reforms.

He commended the educators for their contributions but cautioned that these accomplishments should not compromise the ideals of fairness and inclusivity.

Distinguishing between public and private institutions, the CPI leader warned against the trend of private schools admitting only top scorers to enhance their pass rates and profitability, stressing that this should not permeate government education policies.

"Government schools must adhere to the principle of social justice. The genuine measure of quality education is determined by how much a student evolves, not just by their final examination results," he asserted.

The CPI has called upon the Tamil Nadu government and the School Education Department to issue definitive guidelines ensuring that no student is denied admission to Class 11 in government schools solely based on their academic scores.

"Every student is entitled to an equal chance to further their education. Academic performance alone should not dictate their future," Mutharasan reiterated.

The party reaffirmed that government institutions must remain inclusive and accessible to every student, regardless of academic performance, in alignment with the state's social justice agenda.