CHENNAI: Staying non-committal on the implementation of PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) in Tamil Nadu, school education minister Rajmohan reiterated that the state remained firm on the two-language policy.“However, if the Centre denies us our funds citing this, we will directly go to New Delhi to get our share,” he told media persons after distributing textbooks, uniforms, and other stationery to children on day one of reopening at Govt Model Higher Secondary School in Arumbakkam.He further said that all private schools must compulsorily publicise their fee structure. On excess fee collection by such schools, he said that in previous regimes, institutions could have resorted to such practices. “But our govt is for transparency. It will ensure trust and increase enrolment,” he added.He further said that parents and students facing issues with excess fee collection can directly reach out to the school education department for immediate redress.The minister further said that steps will be taken to make campuses, including pathways to schools, drug-free. “If students are approached by anyone, they can raise complaints with the school staff and immediate assistance will be extended. There is no compromise on student safety,” he added.On filling teacher vacancies, he said that several appointments have legal constraints. “Counselling and discussions will be held, and appropriate decisions will be taken,” he added.On controlling the dropout rate in schools, he said that the state had already made significant progress on this front and added that school education department officials have been instructed to follow up with such students and offer them support.The minister further said that the aim of the department was to make all schools digitally empowered, like model schools. “It cannot happen overnight, but all steps will be taken to achieve this,” he added.
