Chennai: School education minister Rajmohan said the state remained firm on the two-language policy. The statement comes in the wake of the state govt not taking a clear stand on implementation of the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme despite the education ministry calling for the implementation of the scheme in Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.“If the Centre denies us funds citing this, we will directly go to New Delhi directly to negotiate and get our share,” he told reporters after distributing textbooks, uniforms and other stationery for children on the day of reopening at Government Model Higher Secondary School at Arumbakkam.Reiterating the department’s order that all private schools must publicise their fee structure by today (Jn. On excess fee collection by schools, he said that in the previous govts, the institutions may have resorted to such practices, “but our govt stands for transparency and will not encourage such practices. It will ensure trust and increase enrolment.” The school education department had asked all private schools to publicise their fee by Friday (June 5). He added that parents and students facing issues with excess fee collection could directly reach out to the school education department official for immediate redress.The minister further said steps will be taken to make campuses 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 for student safety,” he added.On filling of teachers vacancies, Rajmohan said several appointments have legal constraints. “Counselling and discussions will be held and appropriate decisions will be taken,” he added.On controlling dropout rate from 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 on 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 ensure this,” he added.
