The Tamil Nadu Governor has launched a fresh attack on the state's education system, claiming that poor quality education is rendering children "useless". Governor RN Ravi claimed that 75 per cent of students are unable to recognise two-digit numbers and alleged that teaching and learning in government schools is in a “pitiable condition”.
He also alleged that there is a “rampant distribution of drugs” taking place in educational institutions across the state.
The Governor's remarks come a day after he criticised the state board syllabus, calling it non-competitive and below par.
“There is a sharp decline in the quality of education in government schools. It has created a dangerous situation for our country and state. A Class 9 student cannot recognise a two-digit number, and 75 per cent of them cannot. Moreover, 40 per cent of them cannot read a Class 2 textbook,” he said.
Speaking at an event in connection with Teachers' Day at Raj Bhavan, Governor Ravi raised concerns, claiming that the foundation of education in Tamil Nadu has weakened and that the standard of teaching has “fallen so low, below the national average”.
“By giving them degrees and certificates without any restrictions, we are making them unemployable and not useful,” the Governor said.
Governor Ravi also raised the issue of the alleged availability of synthetic and chemical drugs in schools and colleges, calling it a very serious problem.
“We can’t remain in denial. We need to accept that there are problems in teaching, learning, and drug abuse in schools. We need to confront these issues,” he added.
Governor Ravi's remarks about the school education system came on the same day that DMK minister Udhayanidhi Stalin hit back at him for criticising the state board syllabus.
Stating that the Tamil Nadu state syllabus encourages students to think critically and ask questions, Udhayanidhi Stalin pointed out that many of those educated under the state board have gone on to achieve great things, such as holding top posts in ISRO, the IT sector, and more.
“If anyone criticises our state board syllabus, we cannot accept that. If someone still does, it means they are insulting our students and teachers. Our Chief Minister and the Dravidian model government will not allow this,” Udhayanidhi Stalin said.
