The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) has strongly condemned the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to allow private entities to adopt 500 public schools under a proposed initiative. The party’s state secretary, K. Balakrishnan, issued a statement criticizing the move, calling it a backdoor attempt to privatize public education and implement the National Education Policy (NEP) in disguise.Concerns Raised
Balakrishnan expressed shock over the announcement made by the state education minister about the plan to involve private schools in improving infrastructure in 500 government schools. He argued that such initiatives could adversely affect underprivileged children by putting their access to education at risk. The party’s state executive committee strongly condemned this proposal, emphasizing that education is a fundamental right that the government must ensure for all citizens.
Status of Schools in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has over 58,000 schools, including 37,579 government schools, which comprise:
24,310 primary schools
7,024 middle schools
3,135 high schools
3,110 higher secondary schools
Additionally, there are 8,328 government-aided schools, with approximately 46 lakh students enrolled in government schools. In contrast, around 65 lakh students study in 12,000 private schools, which, despite their lower number, dominate the education sector.
Balakrishnan pointed out that many private schools lack basic facilities like playgrounds and have an insufficient number of teachers, yet they wield significant influence.
Infrastructure Challenges
The CPI(M) highlighted the need for government schools to focus on improving infrastructure and addressing deficiencies, including the absence of proper toilet facilities in 2,500 schools and the rising dropout rate of 16% at the primary level. Reports also suggest that child labor has increased due to these dropouts.
Call for Immediate Action
Instead of strengthening the public education system, the government’s move to privatize public schools would undermine the rights of marginalized children, Balakrishnan said. The CPI(M) demanded that the government:
Withdraw the proposal to allow private adoption of government schools.
Allocate additional funds to upgrade infrastructure in public schools.
Fill all vacant teaching positions.
Education must remain a primary responsibility of the government, the CPI(M) asserted, urging the Tamil Nadu administration to uphold its duty and ensure equal access to quality education for all children.