Higher Education Minister K.P. Anbazhagan on Tuesday told the Legislative Assembly that the State government would not allow imposition of Hindi and Sanskrit as part of the new education policy of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.
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Replying to DMK member Thangam Thennarasu who alleged that the proposed new education system would pave way for Kulakalvi (caste vocational education system), the Minister said the government had received only the draft of the policy. “We will soon send our position to the Centre and the stand would protect the interests of the State and students, particularly minorities,” Mr. Anbazhagan said.
At this juncture, Mr. Stalin announced his support to the State government’s stand and reiterated his demand for adopting a resolution opposing the draft new education policy in the House.
Mr/ Thennarsu argued that the draft policy was totally against the interests of states. The committee formed to draft the policy had only one educationist. “If a student failed in the eighth standard examination, he will be forced to study vocational courses. It will lead to Kulakalvi system,” he charged.
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Education loans
Mr. Thennarasu, who held the portfolio of school education in the DMK regime, added that banks were harassing students in the name of recovering educational loans.
“Students are being driven to commit suicide,” he alleged.
When he pointed out that the post of vice chancellor is vacant at the University of Madras, Anna University and Madurai Kamaraj University, Mr. Anbazhagan said a committee was managing the administration of these universities and they were functioning without any problem. “They (universities) are getting UGC funds. We have appointed a search committee to shortlist the names of vice chancellors. Once it is over, the Governor will issue orders for appointment,” he said.
‘We will send our position to the Centre soon; our stand will protect the interests of the State and students, particularly minorities’