DYFI calls for monitoring committee in Coimbatore to prevent unfair expulsion of students from schools
Members of the organisation submitted a petition to the Coimbatore Collector on Monday, highlighting their concerns.
In the petition, DYFI alleged that some government higher secondary schools are pressuring students with low performance to obtain Transfer Certificates (TCs) in order to maintain a 100% pass rate. Students are reportedly told to assist their fathers at work or to enrol in ITIs instead of continuing formal education.
The organisation also raised concerns about discriminatory remarks made to students from linguistic minority communities. In some cases, teachers allegedly questioned parents for choosing Tamil-medium education, suggesting their children would fare better in their mother tongue—an approach DYFI said was rooted in bias.
Such practices, the outfit said, undermine the Tamil Nadu government's efforts to reduce school dropouts. It demanded disciplinary action against teachers involved and called for the formation of a monitoring panel to safeguard students' right to education.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
Keezhadi excavation report under review, time bracket not justified: Minister
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has not requested any 'revised report' on the Keezhadi (or Keeladi) excavations in Tamil Nadu, the Centre informed Parliament Monday, but said the report is 'under review' and as per suggestions of experts the nomenclatures of the three periods mentioned in it 'require change'. Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the time bracket of 8th-5th century BCE given for Period 1 in the report was 'not justified at all'. 'For the earliest period in the present state of our knowledge we can, at the maximum, suggest it originates somewhere in pre-300 BC,' he said in an annexure attached with the response to a question by DMK MP T Sumathy. Keezhadi is an ancient site in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga district, about 12 km from Madurai. Over a decade ago, Amarnath Ramakrishna, ASI's then Superintending Archaeologist, led excavations at the site that unearthed evidence of a sophisticated urban society. According to the Keezhadi report, carbon dating had revealed the objects to be over 2,160 years old, corresponding to the Sangam era in Tamil history. It classified the site's history into three periods — Pre-Early Historic (8th-5th century BCE), Mature Early Historic (5th-1st century BCE) and Early Historic (1st century BCE-3rd century CE). The report triggered a controversy between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the NDA-ruled Centre, after the ASI, which comes under the Union Ministry of Culture, asked Ramakrishna to review his report. The DMK saw this as an attempt by the Centre to pressure Ramakrishna to 'change' his findings. DMK MP Sumathy had asked the Ministry if the Keezhadi report prepared was officially reviewed by the Government after submission in June 2025, seeking details of the specific deficiencies cited by the Government or ASI leading to its rejection. In his reply, Shekhawat said: 'Keezhadi excavation has been conducted under the aegis of ASI and a report of lead archaeologist is under review. The comments of experts have been shared with the lead archaeologist, which are still to be finalised.' However, the minister added, 'there is no practice of rejecting a report'. In the annexure, which details excerpts from experts' observations, on the basis of which Ramakrishna has been asked to review the report, Shekhawat said the 'missing details' require the village map to be redrawn and the cultural period to be reoriented as specified, among other things. 'As per experts suggestion: a) the nomenclatures of the three periods require change; b) the time bracket of 8th century BC to 5th century BCE given for Period 1 is not justified at all; c) The other two periods should also be determined on the basis of scientific AMS dates and the material recovered in view of stratigraphical details. For the earliest period in the present state of our knowledge we can, at the maximum, suggest that it originates somewhere in pre-300 BCE…' the annexure said. On June 10, Shekhawat had said further studies were needed to validate the ASI findings on an ancient civilisation at Keezhadi. In response to another question by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, the Ministry informed Parliament Monday that ASI has not requested any 'revised report' on the site from the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology. Maran also asked details of the 'additional excavation phases and funding support' by ASI for the tenth phase of Keezhadi excavation that began on June 18, 2024, which has already 'identified six terracotta pipelines and various urban settlement structures'. To this, Shekhawat replied: 'Question does not arise.' Divya A reports on travel, tourism, culture and social issues - not necessarily in that order - for The Indian Express. She's been a journalist for over a decade now, working with Khaleej Times and The Times of India, before settling down at Express. Besides writing/ editing news reports, she indulges her pen to write short stories. As Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is researching on the lives of the children of sex workers in India. ... Read More
United News of India
7 hours ago
- United News of India
SC tells Isha Foundation to seek Deli HC relief against magazine's defamatory reports
New Delhi, July 21 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed Sadhguru's Isha Foundation to approach the Delhi High Court for its plea seeking to restrain Tamil media outlet Nakkheeran Publications from publishing allegedly defamatory content against it. The court also directed Nakkheeran to raise its contentions, including the issue of maintainability, in the Delhi High Court. A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi disposed of the transfer petition filed by Nakkheeran Publications as well as the interlocutory application filed by Isha Foundation in the matter. Nakkheeran Publications had filed a petition in the Supreme Court to transfer the Rs. 3 crore defamation suit against it in the Delhi High Court to Chennai High Court. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Isha Foundation, argued that despite a defamation suit pending before the Delhi High Court, Nakkheeran continued publishing defamatory material, including allegations of organ trade against the Foundation. Isha Foundation opposed the transfer of the case to Chennai, stating that such grounds were impermissible. On the other hand, Senior Advocate R Balasubramaniam, representing Nakkheeran, submitted that Isha Foundation secured listing of its application without notice to the respondent and was seeking the same relief that had already been denied by the Delhi High Court. He argued that the question of jurisdiction should be decided first. 'For the last 8 months, they have been happy because there is no injunction granted to them. But in my petition, they are seeking the same relief which was denied by High Court… the next date is in August,' he submitted. Justice Kant observed that grounds such as lack of jurisdiction may not justify transfer of the suit. He suggested that Nakkheeran raise these issues before the Delhi High Court through an application under Order 7 Rule 11 CPC. Accepting the bench's suggestion, Balasubramaniam withdrew the transfer petition, resulting in the disposal of Isha Foundation's interlocutory application as well. Last year, Isha Foundation filed a Rs. 3 crore defamation suit against Nakkheeran Publications in the Delhi High Court, alleging that its publications tarnished the Foundation's reputation. In response, Nakkheeran Publications filed a transfer petition before the Supreme Court seeking to shift the defamation case to Chennai. During the hearing, Rohatgi highlighted that Nakkheeran continued its 'vilification campaign' on social media despite the pending suit, adding, 'We are a charitable organisation with disciples all across the world… today, on social media, he's going on and on…' The Supreme Court, however, clarified that the Delhi High Court should decide the pending applications of both parties expeditiously. UNI SNG SSP
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- The Hindu
‘People of Tamil Nadu expect only single-party rule in 2026'
Amid repeated assertions by BJP strategist and Union Home Minister Amit Shah that his party and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, constituents of the National Democratic Alliance, would form a coalition government in Tamil Nadu after the 2026 Assembly election, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday (July 21, 2025) said the people of Tamil Nadu expected only a 'single-party rule' in the State. At the same time, he insisted that attempts to break the alliance of the two parties would not materialise. In an interview with The Hindu in Tiruvarur, Mr. Palaniswami, who is on a Statewide tour as part of his 'Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom (Will save people, retrieve Tamil Nadu)' campaign, said the next government would be formed in line with the people's sentiment. The people of Tamil Nadu favoured a single-party rule. 'We also wish for the same. The AIADMK will certainly form the next government on its own with an absolute majority and fulfill the people's expectations,' he said. Mr. Palaniswami downplayed the BJP's pre-poll assertion about forming a coalition government, stating that such claims were merely meant 'to enthuse their cadres'. While contending that the AIADMK has not held any talks so far with actor Vijay's Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam, he said his appeal to all like-minded parties to join hands with the AIADMK to defeat the DMK applied for the actor-politician too. The same was applicable to the Naam Tamilar Katchi, headed by Tamil nationalist Seeman. 'There are eight more months for the election. A clear picture will emerge at an appropriate time,' he said. The Leader of Opposition accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of not understanding the sufferings of the people. A fortnight into his roadshow, Mr. Palaniswami said there had been an overwhelming response from the people to his tour. He felt contradictions within the DMK alliance were getting more pronounced and expressed optimism that the AIADMK will form the next government in Tamil Nadu. Edited excerpts from the interview: What is your assessment of the response to your ongoing State-wide roadshow, which you had launched in Mettupalayam on July 7? There is an overwhelming response from the people. We see huge turnouts wherever I go. You had dubbed M.K. Stalin as a 'Coat Suit' Chief Minister, who did nothing concrete for the development and welfare of the people except for stage-managing shows through media appearances. However, he says his 'Dravidian model' government is the best in the country... I have only reflected the people's assessment of his failure as Chief Minister. Without understanding the suffering of the people under his regime, he projects himself as the best Chief Minister due to arrogance of power. Of late, smaller parties are driving a hard bargain with dominant partners — be it the AIADMK or the DMK. They are seeking more seats. What is your take? It is quite common for parties, depending upon the prevailing circumstances, to make moves for their respective growth. As far as the DMK front is concerned, the party's popularity has taken a hit. So, its allies are asserting themselves. So, it (DMK) will be pushed to allot more seats to allies, as sought by them. So, do you foresee the DMK alliance disintegrating in the run-up to the Assembly polls? Allies such as the Congress and the VCK have expressed a desire to share power... I cannot say whether the alliance will break up or not. But of late, contradiction in opinions in the DMK alliance is more pronounced. It is being openly reported in the media. [Congress leader] Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised the Communists. Likewise, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary P. Shanmugam, while participating in a protest, has said, '98% of the promises made by the DMK in its election manifesto have not been fulfilled.' Such contradictions exist there. Like you mentioned, allies are seeking a share in power. These incidents indicate fissures. But whether the alliance will crack, we cannot respond hypothetically. After having severed ties with the BJP in 2023, you have now entered into an electoral alliance for the Assembly election. The BJP leadership is repeatedly asserting the party will be a part of the next government (should the alliance win in 2026). But during your roadshow at Thiruthuraipoondi, you said 'AIADMK men are not fools' to share power. Could you clarify your stand? I did not say that [contextually]. The DMK and its allies, to malign the AIADMK-BJP alliance, are orchestrating a campaign that the BJP will 'swallow the AIADMK'. The Thiruthuraipoondi statement was made to scotch this well-planned, sinister campaign of the DMK and its alliance partners. In a State that has not seen a coalition government, what is your clear and direct message to the BJP on this issue? The formation of a government will reflect the people's sentiment. People wish for a single-party rule with an absolute majority in the State. This is what is happening as per their wishes for so many years in Tamil Nadu. This is what people expect in the 2026 election as well. We also wish for the same. The AIADMK will certainly form the next government on its own with an absolute majority and fulfil the people's expectation. Will you talk to the BJP leadership to clear the contradictions? There is no contradiction. Parties express such desire (coalition government) to enthuse their cadre. Many are trying to break the AIADMK-BJP alliance by criticising and creating discord among us. It will not materialise. The AIADMK-BJP alliance will continue intact — 100%. Did the AIADMK hold talks with actor Vijay for an alliance with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)? There have been no such talks so far. Would you extend an invitation to him to join your alliance? All like-minded parties that want to defeat the anti-people DMK should join hands with the AIADMK. Is this applicable to the TVK? Mr. Vijay is also vowing to defeat the DMK. It applies to his party as well. What about Seeman's Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK)? Our general view is that all like-minded parties must join together. There are eight more months for the election. A clear picture will emerge at an appropriate time. But how would parties opposed to the BJP join hands with you? How did such parties join together in the 1999 Parliamentary election and 2001 Assembly election [BJP-inclusive DMK-led alliance]? Is there grassroots synergy between the AIADMK and the BJP? You can see the enthusiasm among them during my ongoing campaign. The BJP cadre and leaders continue to participate in the roadshows. There is a perception that the AIADMK has lost ground in south Tamil Nadu and delta. No such situation, as portrayed by some, prevails on the ground. The AIADMK enjoys strong support in all districts. The people, who have undergone untold sufferings in the 50-month misrule of the DMK, strongly feel we have the capability to throw the DMK out of power. We had done a lot for the people of the delta region. We enacted a law to make the delta an agriculture protected zone. We ensured Cauvery water reached the tail-end areas. We stood by farmers and fishermen when the region was hit by Cyclone Gaja and ensured the timely distribution of compensation. We introduced three-phase power to the farmers and rolled out kuruvai and samba packages. I am basically a farmer. I know their difficulties. The farmers of the delta region also agree that I will safeguard them. They will stand with us. What is your take on the battle for control of the PMK between its founder S. Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss? I trust all will end well. I do not want to interfere in their party affairs. How do you see the DMK government's handling of law and order, its promise to eliminate corruption, and the ED raids on ruling politicians? How could the DMK put an end to corruption? It is the fountainhead of corruption. I hope law will take its course in the ED cases. No DMK Minister, involved in corruption, can is absolutely no law and order in Tamil Nadu. There is no safety and security for women and children. The crime rate is up. When DMK men are involved in crimes, the rulers invariably protect them and some officers too. A time will soon come when they will be subjected to questioning. This government, which came to power proclaiming it will abolish the NEET, must also take moral responsibility for the deaths of 25 medical aspirants. Hasn't the DMK consolidated women voters through various schemes including the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme? The people have not forgotten the DMK government for scrapping the Thalikku Thangam scheme and marriage assistance scheme of distributing ₹25,000 and ₹50,000. The women will teach a fitting lesson to the DMK. What is your aspiration for the AIADMK and its future? I want the AIADMK to grow further and would love to see the party in the seat of power again. I am always with the grassroots level cadre as one of them, and not as a leader. Due to this, I understand their feelings and expectations. I act as per their wishes, and as a party. we are strong and united to defeat our political enemies in 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Ariyalur later this month. Will you meet him? We will let you know soon.
