In yet another instance highlighting the failures of the so-called “Dravidian model,” students at a government school in Manakavalam Pillai Nagar, Tirunelveli, continue to suffer due to the lack of basic infrastructure. Despite demolishing the original school building and issuing a tender three years ago to construct a new facility, no meaningful progress has been made.
As the new academic year begins, frustration has reached a boiling point. Ironically, a DMK councillor from the area, Indira, has herself led a protest against the DMK government, demanding swift completion of the long-stalled project.
Currently, the Corporation Middle School is operating out of a temporary rented house. Hundreds of students are forced to share inadequate facilities, with only one restroom available for everyone—a situation described by parents and locals as unhygienic and unacceptable.
The original building was razed three years ago with plans to replace it with a modern structure. Though a tender worth ₹1 crore was issued, work came to a halt after the Tirunelveli Corporation failed to release the necessary funds. While a small part of the building enough for a single classroom (Grade 8)—has been completed, the remaining students continue to study in makeshift conditions.
As reopening day approached for schools across Tamil Nadu, DMK Councillor Indira took a rare step by openly criticizing her own party. Joined by local residents and her husband, Mani, who distributed laddus in an act of satirical protest, the councillor demanded that the government stop neglecting the education of children and resume construction immediately.
Speaking to the media, Mani said, “This is Palayamkottai zone, Ward 7. A tender was issued for a school here, and it’s been nearly three years since then. We’ve been protesting every year. Each time we protest, an FIR is filed against us. Just look at this – it’s the third year of this ‘achievement’. Take a look at this accomplishment! We met the authorities day before yesterday, and they will come, drop the rods and go. All that needs to be built is four classrooms. And it’s already taken three years. So, at this pace, it’ll take another year to complete. To celebrate this track record, we’re distributing laddu to mark this ‘achievement’. This is our way of highlighting this third-year milestone. We are distributing it for not constructing the school. It’s shameful. They’ll only give it once for the opening but since the school is still lying in ruins after three years, we’re handing out sweets. Just imagine how disgraceful this is. We’ve submitted a petition to the Commissioner, but instead, we got three FIRs filed against us. That’s all the councillor got – three FIRs. They file cases precisely for raising our voices, but the actual work still hasn’t started. To this day, there’s only one shared restroom. Boys and girls use the same toilet. This is our third year raising the same demand. See the ‘achievement’ of this Corporation – we’re giving out laddus (sweets) to mock the situation. How pathetic is this? Everyone else gives sweets for achievements. But here, it’s for disgrace.”
DMK councillor M Indira, her husband and residents of Manakavalam Pillai Nagar alleged that boys and girls of Tirunelveli corporation middle school were forced to use the same toilet and that there was a delay in classroom construction. They staged a novel protest by distributing… https://t.co/zOXIQdpao6 pic.twitter.com/by3OoGUd6u
— Thinakaran Rajamani (@thinak_) June 2, 2025
This protest brings renewed attention to how political promises often stall when it comes to delivering basic public infrastructure, especially in the education sector.
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