Decision on admission under 5 years soon: Sengottaiyan

Speaking to reporters, after inaugurating an emergency ward renovated at a cost of Rs 40 lakh in Erode Government Hospital on Sunday, School Education Minister KA Sengottaiyan said private schools were admitting children from even three years of age in violation of rules.

“The government is deliberating on the issue and may soon announce its decision in the Assembly. Efforts were even taken up to start LKG and UKG in government schools, but the Indian constitution clearly says only children of five years and above should be enrolled in schools,” he said.

To check absenteeism among teachers, the Minister said biometric attendance system would be introduced in government schools. “Teachers have to register their biometric attendance both in morning and evenings. Also, schools, which have lean staff strength, will be assessed and steps would be taken to rectify the issue,” he said.

Further Sengottaiyan said that smart cards to be issued to students will have information on Aadhaar number, blood group and telephone number. “If students fail to come, then their parents will be alerted immediately,” he said. Commenting on the issue of private schools fleecing students, the Minister said circulars have been sent to all private schools to put up the fees structure on the notice board.

Deliberating on improving the standard of education system, the Minister said it has been resolved in the Assembly to hold parent-teacher meetings every month in government schools to strengthen the relationship between teacher, students and parents.

On the insurance scheme for students, Sengottaiyan said kin of students losing life in accidents will be given Rs 1 lakh, Rs 50,000 for major injuries and Rs 25,000 for minor injuries. “This is a scheme to be introduced for the first time in Tamil Nadu in the country,” he added.