Labs at 2,676 govt schools in Tamil Nadu to be made hi-tech at a cost of Rs65 crore
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"Currently, work is on to upgrade the laboratories in 850 govt schools that were in poor condition. We have installed 22,939 smart boards in govt schools so far. The govt has also spent nearly Rs600 crore on the implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, in the past three years. The state is planning to move for a special leave petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court in connection with the Madras high court's order on the RTE admission.
The RTE portal will be opened after that," the minister said.
Admitting that the govt schools were facing shortage of computer teachers, the minister said, "While the state has plans to introduce artificial intelligence and robotics in govt schools, a permanent solution to the teacher shortage is being worked out and will be resolved shortly. Meanwhile, temporary trainers have been appointed at the hi-tech labs to assist students."
He said around 9.8 lakh govt and aided school students were assessed under the State Level Achievement Survey to get a picture of the learning outcomes.
Addressing a meeting to review the State Level Achievement Survey, 2025, the minister stated that Valparai, Pollachi, Periyanaickenpalayam and Sulthanpet blocks in the district were among the best performers, while Thondamuthur and Sulur required attention.
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"It is appreciated that the teachers have identified and accepted the weaknesses. With acceptance comes improvement. Even if students perform well in the board exams, it is important to focus on their learning outcomes right from Class I to IX. All pass methods in these Classes will reflect on the board exams, and students will face the consequences. To avoid such impacts, it is necessary to mould them at every Class.
Headmasters should motivate teachers to stay updated in their subjects, provide an interesting learning environment and simplify complex topics," the minister said.
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