Teachers’ assn objects to 5-subject policy

PK Ilamaran, president, Tamil Nadu Teachers Association, in a statement, said, “According to the proposed five-subject policy, students of Class 11 and 12 will be given option to choose either of the two language papers and if it is implemented, students will not opt for Tamil, which will be against the development of Tamil language.”

Recently, the school education department presented a report to revamp the educational system in the state by introducing various changes in secondary and higher secondary levels. However, the changes were criticised by teachers across the state.

Ilamaran said that school education department, in the name of reducing the burden of the students, has suggested the five-subject policy. But, the policy is indirectly reducing the interests on language for students. The suggestion has even more dangerous effect on Tamil medium students.

“If the five-subject policy comes into force, students of Tamil medium will not choose English and they will not come to learn the basics of English. English is the link language for people of Tamil Nadu and it will suffer a blow in the future,” said Ilamaran.

The state government had adopted couple of policies in the past and the new recommendations are against the policies. “State government had adopted twin language policy and if the five-subject policy is implemented, students will not have the option of reading the second language. Similarly, state had made Tamil as a compulsory language in schools and the policy will take a blow if the recommendations are implemented,”said Ilamaran.