Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on Tuesday expressed optimism that an amicable solution would soon be reached with the protesting members of JACTO-GEO, the umbrella body of teachers and government employees’ organisations. He indicated that “good news” could arrive before Pongal, following earlier talks that ended without a breakthrough.Speaking at an event in Tiruchy where awards were presented to eminent educationists, the minister said Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was directly involved in efforts to resolve the ongoing dispute and was hopeful of arriving at a settlement by January 6.
He asserted that the State government was committed to addressing the genuine concerns of teachers and employees, even as Tamil Nadu continued to face financial constraints due to what he described as the Union government’s reluctance to release funds.
Taking a swipe at the BJP’s political outreach in Tamil Nadu, Poyyamozhi remarked that the visit of Union Minister Piyush Goyal to boost the NDA’s fortunes would not alter the political equation in the State. He said no number of central leaders could counter the combined strength of the DMK-led alliance, which, he insisted, would continue to prioritise welfare-driven governance under the “Dravidian Model 2.0”.
The minister also issued a directive to schools, asking them not to conduct special classes during the holiday season, stating that vacations are meant to ease student pressure and promote mental well-being. He further instructed government institutions to refrain from using unsafe, dilapidated school buildings and instead shift students to safer alternate locations such as rented premises or community halls until reconstruction is completed.
At the same event, DMK MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian, who attended as a special invitee, referred to the recent controversy raised by right-wing groups over her participation in a dance drama. She stated that she had portrayed Andal in a production based on Ramanujar by renowned artiste Zakir Hussain, and dismissed attempts to politicise cultural performances.