No Govt School Closure Over Low Enrolment, Says TN Minister

Tamil Nadu to Maintain Operational Government Schools

Vellore, Tamil Nadu – The Tamil Nadu government has affirmed that no government schools will be closed due to low student enrolment. School Education Minister Rajmohan announced this on Thursday, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting schools, particularly those in remote areas.

Minister’s Assurance

According to Minister Rajmohan, even schools with a single teacher in isolated hamlets and hilly regions will continue to operate. He stated, “We will not close government schools merely because of low enrolment. In remote corners, hamlets and hilltops where even human footprints are rare, a school with a single teacher stands ready for the child of a poor family.”

Addressing Past Figures

Minister Rajmohan acknowledged figures indicating nearly 94,000 schools were closed across India over the past decade, including more than 200 in Tamil Nadu. However, he confirmed that no government school has been closed since the current government took office six months prior.

Recognition for High-Performing Schools

The event, held at VIT in Vellore, recognized 341 headmasters from government and government-aided schools in Vellore, Tirupattur, and Tiruvannamalai districts who achieved 100% pass rates in public examinations for the academic years 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26. These headmasters received certificates of appreciation.

Welfare Assistance Distributed

A total of Rs 52 lakh in welfare assistance was distributed to the recognized headmasters. VIT Chancellor G Viswanathan chaired the ceremony.

Focus on Educational Quality

VIT Chancellor G Viswanathan also referenced India’s ranking of 72nd out of 73 countries in the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2009 and the subsequent cessation of India’s participation in the assessment. He urged efforts to create conditions for India’s return to such international evaluations, emphasizing the need to improve the quality of education within government schools alongside student enrolment.

Source: The New Indian Express. Featured image credit: The New Indian Express.