The Tamil Nadu school education department has requested inputs from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) regarding potential heatwave-like conditions expected in the first week of June. Based on the feedback, a discussion will be held with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to consider postponing the reopening of schools, as announced by School Education Minister Rajmohan during a press conference on Monday.
Decision on Postponement Expected Soon
The minister's statement follows numerous representations from school associations and education activists urging the government to delay the reopening date from June 1 to June 8. 'A decision on this will be made soon,' Rajmohan said after distributing appointment orders to six teachers recruited through the Teachers Recruitment Board.
Awareness on Child Helplines
Responding to a query about sensitizing students to child helplines, the minister revealed that newly launched textbooks for classes 1 to 3 now include helpline numbers on the initial pages to enhance awareness. Additionally, debates, special classes, and orientation sessions aimed at fostering scientific temper among children will be organized during the current academic year.
Addressing Teacher Grievances
Regarding the long-standing demands of part-time and secondary grade teachers—who staged statewide protests earlier this year before elections—and the unfilled vacancies in elementary and middle schools, the minister stated that a special grievance meeting will be convened to catalog their issues. 'We will assess what can be done in each case. Some demands involve administrative concerns, while others are legal. We will compile the concerns and work for teachers' welfare. This government stands by students, teachers, and parents, in that order,' he added.
