Tamil Nadu's Education Framework Thrives Without Changes: Minister

Chennai, March 12 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has reiterated that the state’s education system requires no alterations, as it consistently produces top-tier professionals, thinkers, and innovators.

In a post on the social media platform X on Wednesday, the minister remarked, “Why interfere with a system that outperforms the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which adheres to a one-size-fits-all approach? Don’t fix what isn’t broken. Tamil Nadu’s education system excels, while the NEP 2020 disrupts!”

He underscored that the Tamil Nadu State Board’s educational framework has persistently yielded outstanding outcomes in higher education and job placements. Citing data, he highlighted that 1.09 crore students are enrolled in 58,779 State Board schools, compared to only 15.2 lakh students in 1,635 CBSE schools — emphasizing the preference for the state’s education model.

Anbil Mahesh’s comments were a response to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who referenced UDISE+ data showing a decline in Tamil-medium school enrolment. Disputing this assertion, the Tamil Nadu minister affirmed, “It is evident what the people of Tamil Nadu desire.”

In the discussion regarding the addition of a third language in schools, he contended, “If there were genuine demand for learning a third language, why do people continue to opt for State Board schools?” He also noted that even in English-medium institutions, every student in Tamil Nadu studies Tamil as a subject and excels in it.

“Tamil is our pride, and English is our guide to the world. This is our route to progress and equity. Tamil Nadu will not compromise on what is optimal for its students. Please do not disrupt a system that delivers excellence,” he added. The minister has consistently criticized the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, previously labeling it as an “RSS-driven agenda” rather than a legitimate educational framework.

His recent statements followed Pradhan’s remarks in Parliament on Monday, where he allegedly referred to Tamil Nadu MPs as “uncivilized.” Anbil Mahesh questioned whether Pradhan genuinely understood his comments or was simply “reading from a script handed to him.” He also urged the Union Minister to clarify his position regarding Tamil Nadu’s rejection of the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, accusing him of misrepresenting the state’s stance.

In response to Pradhan’s assertion that Tamil Nadu made a “U-turn” on the PM SHRI scheme, Anbil Mahesh maintained that the state never consented to implement it. He referenced a letter dated August 30, 2024, in which Pradhan himself acknowledged Tamil Nadu’s firm rejection of the scheme. The minister further accused the Centre of withholding funds intended for Tamil Nadu’s educational sector.

Under the Integrated School Education Scheme (2018), the Union government is obligated to release 60 percent of the approved funds for Tamil Nadu’s educational system. For the 2024–25 academic year, this totals Rs 2,152 crore out of a total Rs 3,533 crore. However, Anbil Mahesh alleged that the Centre has been withholding these funds under the Samagra Shiksha (SS) scheme to coerce Tamil Nadu into adopting the NEP-aligned PM SHRI initiative.

“This political interference in education will not be forgotten. Students and teachers will remember this betrayal,” he declared, vowing that Tamil Nadu will persist in resisting the Centre’s pressure.