Tamil to be mandatory for 2nd year Arts & Science students

CHENNAI: The Tamil subject was already made compulsory for first-year students across Tamil Nadu, but now it has been made mandatory for second year as well. This will be applicable to students pursuing BCom, BA, BBA, and BCA courses in Arts and Science colleges across the State.

Detailed guidelines have been issued in this regard. At present, most universities have not introduced Tamil in the second year as it was left to the discretion of the management.

A senior official from the Higher Education Department told DT Next that except for Bharathidasan University, Mother Theresa Women’s University, and Periyar University, other State-run varsities have not introduced Tamil in the second year.

“The objective was to provide uniform education among all universities and its affiliated colleges in the State,” he added.

Stating that there are currently 13 State-run universities that cater higher education to several lakh students every year, the official said the introduction of Tamil will be made from the coming semester exam. “All institutions were asked to take necessary measures for introducing Tamil in the second year. The management of every institution has been asked for a detailed report regarding their steps taken,” he added.

Stating that the proposed 10 government Arts and Science colleges will also adopt the measure to bring Tamil in the second year, he averred: “Tamil will be common to all colleges. The semester exams will also be common as well.” Authorities were also mulling over introducing Tamil in the second year in technical institutions also. “However, the measure is in the early stage. The matter would be consulted with all stakeholders before taking any decision in this regard,” he said.