Tamil Nadu drafts education policy targeting coaching centres

The draft state education policy of Tamil Nadu has been submitted to the government, suggesting major changes to the current educational landscape. The report, organized by a panel headed by Justice Murugesan, spans 550 pages and outlines several key recommendations, including the prohibition of coaching and tuition centres to counteract the commercialization of education.

The panel’s report advocates for a ban on coaching centres that operate alongside traditional schools and colleges. Whether run by individuals or corporations, these centres are criticized for exploiting education. The report warns, “Schools and colleges may go redundant if proper action is not taken against such nefarious practices.”

Controversy on Education Policy

One major concern is the lack of regulatory oversight for these coaching centres. The report points out that they currently operate outside the purview of any government regulatory body. To address this issue, the panel recommends the creation of a regulatory authority with the necessary powers to oversee these centres.

Another substantial proposal is to ban all forms of advertisements related to formal education through the media. The report argues, “Advertising for offering formal education in any form by any institution would also amount to commercialization and is not in the interest of a well-built and time-tested system of education.”

The draft policy also highlights the significance of maintaining Tamil as the first language in schools. The panel suggests that Tamil should be “necessarily maintained” as the primary language of instruction from primary school through to university. This recommendation is aimed at preserving the state’s linguistic heritage and ensuring that education is accessible to all students in their mother tongue.

The report recommends a curriculum that is goal-oriented, culturally responsive, and linked to everyday life while being rooted in Constitutional values. The aim is to make education more relevant and practical for students.

In terms of infrastructure, the panel suggests several improvements to make schools more accommodating for female students. Recommendations include well-ventilated toilets with incinerators, safe commuting options for girls, and comfortable, well-fitting uniforms.

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