A delay in the disbursement of education assistance funds has left thousands of government school students and their parents across Tamil Nadu seeking answers, even a year after bank accounts were opened on official instructions.
Under an existing scheme, students from SC, ST and MBC communities studying from Classes 1 to Plus Two are eligible for education assistance. In 2024, however, the School Education Department directed that all categories of students, irrespective of community, open savings bank accounts at post offices by September, triggering expectations that welfare payments would be extended more broadly.
Following the directive, post offices across all 15 education blocks in Madurai collected Aadhaar details and photographs to open accounts for primary school students. In schools with large enrolments, post office officials conducted on-site account-opening camps. More than 60,000 accounts were opened in the district at the primary education level alone, and student details were uploaded on the EMIS portal.
However, teachers say that apart from SC, ST and MBC students who regularly receive assistance, no other students have received any education aid, even after a year. The situation remains the same up to Plus Two level, leading to repeated queries from parents and students.
Teachers said the account-opening exercise was implemented statewide but that no clarification was provided on why accounts were opened for students outside the usual beneficiary categories. While Aadhaar-related issues delayed account creation for a small number of students, most accounts are now active. Despite this, teachers say they are repeatedly instructed to ensure that students’ savings accounts remain active, even though no transactions have taken place.
Post office officials have reportedly informed schools that accounts without transactions can remain active only for up to three years. Teachers said they are unable to answer parents who continue to ask when the promised assistance will be credited.
The issue has drawn political attention, with critics linking the delay to a broader pattern of welfare implementation under the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). They argue that while welfare announcements are made, beneficiaries are often left waiting without clear timelines or accountability.
Source: Dinamalar
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.