Will TN Upgrade 20 Government High Schools to Higher Secondary?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Department of School Education in Tamil Nadu plans to transform 20 government high schools into higher secondary institutions by 2025-26. This initiative aims to bolster education access and reduce dropout rates among students in rural areas.
Key Takeaways
- 20 government high schools in Tamil Nadu will be upgraded to higher secondary schools.
- 200 postgraduate teachers will be appointed to support the initiative.
- The initiative aims to enhance access to higher secondary education for rural students.
- The state government has allocated Rs 29.39 crore for this project.
- The upgrade is expected to reduce dropout rates and improve trust in state-run schools.
Chennai, Aug 18 (NationPress) The Department of School Education has revealed its intention to elevate 20 government high schools throughout Tamil Nadu into higher secondary schools for the academic year 2025–26.
This initiative, aimed at enhancing access to higher secondary education, follows a budget declaration made earlier this year by School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.
As part of the transformation, 200 postgraduate teachers will be appointed to these institutions, with ten teachers designated for each school. The subject-wise distribution includes Tamil, English, physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, history, economics, computer science, and commerce.
Teachers will be recruited under a pay scale of Rs 36,900 - 1,16,600 (Level-18), and the state government has sanctioned an estimated budget of Rs 29.39 crore for this initiative.
Among the schools earmarked for upgradation is the Mathur Government High School located in Chennai’s Madhavaram block. Other districts set to benefit from this initiative include Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Krishnagiri, Chengalpattu, Dindigul, Tiruchy, Tirupattur, Madurai, Villupuram, Ramanathapuram, Tiruppur, Salem, Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, and Kanniyakumari.
Education officials stated that this initiative is designed to ensure that students from rural and semi-urban areas can continue their education up to Class 12 without needing to shift schools or interrupt their studies.
“It is time for certain high schools to be upgraded. This will help lower dropout rates and motivate students to pursue higher education within their communities,” remarked a government school teacher.
However, this development occurs at a time when the state’s education system is grappling with challenges, including declining enrollment in several schools.
The Department of Elementary Education (DEE) recently closed 208 state-run schools due to zero admissions. In total, 1,204 schools across Tamil Nadu did not register any new enrollments this academic year, comprising 208 government primary and middle schools, 114 government-aided schools, 11 partially-funded schools, 869 private institutions, and two union government schools.
Officials are optimistic that the upgradation of high schools to a higher secondary level will not only fortify the public school system but also rebuild trust among parents and communities towards state-run institutions.
Point of View
I see this initiative as a crucial step towards improving educational access in Tamil Nadu. The government's commitment to upgrading high schools reflects a recognition of the challenges faced by students in rural and semi-urban areas. While the declining enrollment rates raise concerns, this upgradation could potentially restore faith in state-run schools and encourage more students to continue their education.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are being upgraded in Tamil Nadu?
The Tamil Nadu government plans to upgrade 20 government high schools to higher secondary schools, including the Mathur Government High School in Chennai’s Madhavaram block.
How many teachers will be appointed?
A total of 200 postgraduate teachers will be appointed, with ten teachers allocated to each upgraded school.
What is the budget for this initiative?
The state government has approved an estimated budget of Rs 29.39 crore for the upgradation of these schools.
Why is this upgradation important?
This initiative aims to provide better access to education for students in rural and semi-urban areas and reduce dropout rates.
What are the challenges faced by the education system in Tamil Nadu?
The state’s education system is currently facing declining enrollment rates, with over 1,200 schools reporting zero admissions this academic year.
