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The Hindu
01-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin writes: ‘Tamil Nadu's engine of progress — education for all'
There are many reasons for Tamil Nadu's tremendous economic and social progress over the last century, but if I had to choose just one, it would be education. If social justice is our ideology, then education is its most effective instrument to carry it forward. Education for all, not just those who can afford it or have the 'merit' for it, is an equaliser and an enabler. It is the foundation upon which we continue to build an equitable Tamil society. The seeds of this vision were sown more than a century ago. In the year 1920, a school in Thousand Lights area under the then Municipal Corporation of Madras became the first in India to serve mid-day meals to its students. The initiative, approved by the then Madras Corporation Council and inspired by Justice Party leader P. Theagaraya Chetty, was a pioneering act of both compassion and foresight. Today, that idea has evolved into one of the largest and most effective school meal programmes in the world, topped up with the Breakfast Scheme which was launched in 2022 by this government. It is one of many reforms that illustrate how Tamil Nadu has used its education policy not just to improve learning outcomes, but to bring about equality in society. Recently, we witnessed another powerful expression of that vision in action. A total of 135 students from Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Schools have secured admission to some of India's most prestigious higher educational institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology, the National Institutes of Technology, the National Institutes of Fashion Technology, the National Law Universities, Miranda House and other leading colleges of the University of Delhi, and more. Further, all the six seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes students at the Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University were bagged by students from Tamil Nadu through the national counselling process. This is the outcome of consistent, targeted and well-implemented policy. These students, most of whom studied in government schools from Class 6 to 12, were felicitated by the Government of Tamil Nadu with laptops and certificates of appreciation. Each of these students has achieved something remarkable not just in the context of their personal journey, but in the context of Tamil Nadu's long-standing goals of equity and access. These successes are the result of carefully designed support systems. The students received focused training in exams for admissions into various reputed institutions. We have built a strong support system to ensure that Adi Dravidar and tribal students are not left behind in their pursuit of education. At every stage, from primary school to research, students receive scholarships that ease the financial pressures and help them stay in school. Free education, textbooks and uniforms further reduce the cost of learning, making it easier for families to keep their children in classrooms rather than at work. For students from remote areas, the government provides safe hostels with food and accommodation, removing the daily struggle of travel or lack of basic facilities. Alongside academic support, skill training programmes are conducted to prepare students for real-world employment. To ensure these students do not face entry barriers, the government also offers fee waivers and concessions for entrance exams to top institutions. Together, these measures create a support ecosystem that extends beyond classrooms. These are efforts rooted in evidence and guided by principles of equality, beginning early and continuing throughout the student's educational journey. The impact of these efforts is visible in the increasing number of students from marginalised backgrounds securing seats in top institutions. In recent years, Tamil Nadu has consistently produced one of the most inclusive higher education landscapes in India. Legacy of providing education for all Tamil Nadu's Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education stands at 47%, while the national average is 28.4%. Among women, Tamil Nadu's GER is 47.3%, against the national figure of 28.5%. These figures are the result of a political movement that placed social equity at the heart of governance, and an administrative system that has pursued that goal with seriousness and clarity. The roots of this achievement lie in the social justice movement and the educational reforms initiated by the Justice Party and later institutionalised by the Dravidian movement. In the year 1921, the Justice Party passed the historic Government Order, which came to be known as the Communal GO, that ensured access to education for children from all communities, particularly the marginalised. Such early interventions laid the foundation for today's system. The governments formed by the DMK since 1967, built upon this legacy with transformative policies and schemes. These moves were not without resistance, but the party held firm to the belief that educational opportunity is a fundamental right for all, not only for a privileged few. Our government continues to innovate. Schemes such as the Pudhumai Penn Thittam, which offers ₹1,000 per month as stipend to girl students from government or aided schools pursuing college education, are making a measurable impact in promoting higher education among women. The Illam Thedi Kalvi initiative, launched in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has helped ensure educational continuity, bridging learning gaps among vulnerable communities. The free breakfast scheme for primary school students has improved attendance and nutrition, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas. Taken together, these schemes have contributed to the growing pipeline of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are excelling in competitive environments. Importantly, these are not isolated success stories. They reflect a systemic change. The education revolution will continue When students from disadvantaged sections of society make it to institutions of eminence, it reaffirms our core belief that excellence in education is not the preserve of the privileged, but the natural outcome of providing equal opportunity and support. The 135 students we felicitated on July 31, 2025, represent more than individual achievement. They remind us that the governance model of Tamil Nadu, built on social justice, inclusivity and rational planning, works, and works well. Their success is a collective one. It belongs to the families who supported them, to the teachers who guided them and to this government which designed and implemented the schemes that enabled them. As we send them off to embark on the next stage of their academic journeys, we do so with pride and hope. We are confident that they will succeed in their chosen fields of study and become bright professionals in their future careers. Inspired by them, many more will follow in their footsteps, turning these few success stories into a wave of prosperity and upliftment. We are aware that there are still inequalities to correct and challenges to be met, but we are clear-eyed about the path forward and the steps we need to take. The government will keep investing in schemes that unlock the potential of those who need them the most. We will ensure equal opportunities for all, guided by our cherished principles of social justice. We will empower our people through education, so we can keep building a Tamil Nadu that is just, prosperous and humane. M.K. Stalin is the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu has consistently invested in young minds, says Consul General of Republic of Korea
In recent years, India and Korea have grown closer than ever through shared value and mutual respect, Chang Nyun Kim, Consul General of the Republic of Korea, said in Chennai on Friday (August 1, 2025). Speaking at the silver jubilee opening ceremony of Patrician College of Arts and Science, Mr. Kim said, there is a great deal of liking for Korean culture in India, whether it is Korean drama, cuisine, or beauty products. He noted that be it the Mid Day Meal Scheme introduced by the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu K. Kamaraj or the Breakfast Scheme of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Tamil Nadu has consistently invested in young minds. 'India and Korea believe in the transformative power of education,' he added. Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Govi. Chezhian said, Mr. Stalin has been putting in efforts to take higher education in the State to greater heights. J. Radhakrishnan, CMD-Tangedco and chairman of Tantransco, J. Innocent Divya, Commissioner of Technical Education, Major Manoj M., director of Postal Services, Rajkumar Periasamy, film director, and S. Arockiaraj, Deputy Province Leader, Brothers of St. Patrick, India and Ghana, were among those who spoke at the event. A coffee table book and a special postal cover were also released on the occasion.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
GCC to deploy 30 vans for faster delivery in Chennai Corporation schools
Over 30 vehicles are expected to be deployed to deliver breakfast to 65,000 children in 358 schools daily, as the city steps up Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme. Vans, fitted with steel racks and meeting pollution and road safety norms, are planned to be hired across three regions of the city to deliver food daily. The project will be tried for 80 working days in the North region, 90 working days in the Central region, and 180 working days in the South. The Greater Chennai Corporation floated tenders to engage 12 vehicles in the North, 14 vehicles in the Central region and four in the South. Totally, the project is estimated to cost ₹61 lakh. Under the arrangement, private contractors will supply the vehicles along with drivers who have a minimum of five years' experience operating light motor vehicles and hold valid tourist permits, said a civic official. Each morning, these vehicles will report at designated pickup points, load freshly prepared breakfasts from 35 kitchens — including Amma Canteens — and transport them to corporation schools. Trip sheets maintained by the drivers and certified by GCC officials will form the basis for monthly payments, he said.
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Beneficiaries to act as brand ambassadors of government schemes, says Deputy Chief Minister
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday asked the beneficiaries to act as brand ambassadors of government schemes and explain them to others. The Deputy Chief Minister conducted a review meeting with officials at the Collectorate and instructed them to ensure the completion of scheme works on time. After that he participated in a government function held at the district stadium on the Collectorate premises. Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin laid the foundation stone for 141 projects at a cost of ₹89.22 crore and inaugurated 39 completed works worth ₹11.57 crore. He distributed welfare assistance to 2,099 beneficiaries totalling ₹33.02 crore. Speaking at the function, the Deputy Chief Minister said that in the function, beneficiaries, including women, persons with disabilities, farmers, and sportsmen, are participating, which proves this government is for all. The Chief Minister is guiding the country through his welfare schemes. Especially, welfare schemes related to women are followed by other States. After he assumed office, the Chief Minister's first signature was for free travel for women in government buses. In the past four years, across the State, women made 730 crore trips and in Namakkal district alone, 15.80 crore trips were made by women in government buses. Under the Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan schemes, every year eight lakh students are receiving ₹1,000 in financial assistance per month. In Namakkal district alone 40,000 students are benefitting under these schemes. Under the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme, across Tamil Nadu 20 lakh students are benefitting; in Namakkal district alone 40,000 children are benefitting. Likewise, across Tamil Nadu, 1.15 lakh women are receiving ₹1,000 monthly under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam and in Namakkal district alone, 2.50 lakh women are receiving assistance under this scheme. Now, the Chief Minister has made some relaxation in the rules for getting this monthly assistance, he added. Explaining the government's achievements in the last four years in the Namakkal district, the Deputy Chief Minister said that in this function alone 1,700 people received land patta and the government ensured their legal rights. For Namakkal district, ₹200 crore was allocated for the ring road, ₹140 for laying roads at Bodamalai, ₹90 for Aavin hi-tech dairy, and mini stadiums for the Namakkal, Rasipuram, and Senthamangalam Assembly constituencies, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin added. Later the Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated a gym at the stadium and a social justice hostel at Rasipuram Thiruvalluvar Arts and Science College. Tourism Minister R. Rajendran, Adi Dravidar Welfare Department Minister M. Mathiventhan, MPs K.E. Prakash, V.S. Matheswaran, and K.R.N. Rajeshkumar, MLAs P. Ramalingam, and K. Ponnusamy, Collector Durgamoorthi, and officials participated.
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
DMK allies' demand for more seats to be resolved through talks, says T.N. CM Stalin
DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said the 'demand of alliance partners for more seats' would be resolved through discussions once the Assembly election date is announced. Speaking to reporters during the launch of 'Tamil Nadu Under One Front' at Anna Arivalayam on Tuesday (July 1, 2025), he said new parties could join the DMK alliance under the current circumstances. 'When the situation arises, we will sit together and hold talks to include them,' he said, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister and Youth Wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin. He said the DMK have been fully prepared for the elections for a long time. 'We have a goal of winning 200 seats. I hope we will exceed that number,' the Chief Minister said. When asked about Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement in Madurai that he would visit Tamil Nadu more frequently, Mr. Stalin said both Mr. Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should visit the State more often. 'They have the habit of uttering lies during their visits to Tamil Nadu, and the people are aware of it. It will work in our favour during the elections. They should also not replace the Governor (R.N. Ravi), as he has caused more harm than good. He cannot win over the people, even if he tries to do something positive,' he said. Regarding AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami's plan to begin a public outreach campaign from July 7, Mr. Stalin said the DMK had launched its programme long ago, and the Opposition leader was beginning only now. He said the Tamil Nadu Under One Front initiative would cover both the election campaign and the DMK's membership drive. 'We will also explain to the people the achievements of the DMK government,' he said. When asked whether he would visit Mr. Palaniswami's house during the campaign, the Chief Minister said it would depend on the circumstances. 'We have shared responsibilities across the party. Depending on the situation, others may visit. If I happen to be in the area, I will certainly visit his house,' he said. Top schemes Mr. Stalin highlighted the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme, Magalir Urimai Thittam, and Magalir Vidiyal Payanam Scheme as the top three schemes of the DMK government. 'We have completed 60% of the Magalir Urimai Thittam. Many forms were not filled properly, so we plan to organise a camp in September,' he said. The Chief Minister said the DMK aimed to enroll 30% of people in each constituency as party members. 'But in many places, our party leaders have promised to enroll 40% of the people,' he said. Though the DMK's outreach includes engaging with members of the Opposition, Mr. Stalin emphasised that the party would not force anyone to join. 'We will leave it to them,' he said. When asked about alleged wrongdoings by officials, particularly in custodial deaths, the Chief Minister said the government takes action whenever such issues are brought to its attention. 'Even today, we have taken action against (police) officials,' he said.
