Amid grand celebrations for Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s 47th birthday, Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi declared that Udhayanidhi is destined to become the Chief Minister of the state in the future. Speaking at a DMK youth wing event to release the birthday song “Thalaivaney, Ilam Thalaivane“ on Tuesday, Anbil Mahesh enthused, “Indraya deputy chief minister, oru naal definitely chief minister” (Today’s deputy chief minister, one day definitely chief minister).
The event, marked by enthusiastic applause from DMK cadres, celebrated Udhayanidhi’s leadership and his role as a youth icon. The song, composed by DMK youth wing deputy secretary Thoothukudi S Joel, extolled Udhayanidhi’s qualities as a “well-mannered” and committed leader who embodies the DMK’s ideology. Anbil Mahesh also alluded to Udhayanidhi’s firm stance during the Sanatana Dharma controversy, praising his refusal to apologize and his pride in being “Kalaignar’s grandson.”
However, as the party leaders revel in political festivities, Tamil Nadu’s government schools, under Education Minister Anbil Mahesh, are grappling with a severe crisis. Thousands of primary and middle schools in the state lack headmasters, leaving students without proper academic guidance or leadership. The situation is compounded by inadequate teaching staff, crumbling infrastructure, and insufficient resources, putting the future of thousands of children at risk.
Currently, around 900 headmaster posts in government high schools across Tamil Nadu are vacant due to pending court cases. Additionally, reports indicate that 4,500 government schools, including 2,994 primary and middle schools, lack headmasters. This includes 950 vacant high school headmaster posts, along with vacancies in chief education officers (CEOs) and district education officers (DEOs). These vacancies have been an ongoing issue, with some positions remaining unfilled for over six months.
தமிழகத்தில் 2500 அரசு ஆரம்ப, நடுநிலை பள்ளிகளில் தலைமை ஆசிரியரே இல்லை. போதிய ஆசிரியர்கள், கட்டிடங்கள், கட்டமைப்பு இல்லாமல் மாணவர்களின் வாழ்க்கையே கேள்விக்குறியாகி உள்ளது.
ஆனால், #உதயநிதி துதி பாடுவதில் மட்டும் துடிப்பாக இயங்குகிறார் முழு நேர உதயநிதி ரசிகர் மன்ற தலைவரும், பகுதி… pic.twitter.com/SIBrbmL3fd
— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) November 27, 2024
It feels as if Anbil Mahesh is prioritizing his role as a full-time “Udhayanidhi fan club president” over his responsibilities as School Education Minister. While schools face acute shortages and infrastructure deficits, the minister’s focus on political celebrations has drawn sharp criticism.
Observers argue that the state’s education sector is in desperate need of attention. Without urgent reforms to address staff shortages and improve school infrastructure, the quality of education for countless students will continue to deteriorate. Additionally, the school infrastructure is facing glaring neglect by the government – with many schools complaining of broken ceilings – newly opened government schools at that, unclean classrooms and toilets, teachers asking students to massage legs, etc. Such is the troubling disconnect between the DMK government’s priorities and the pressing needs of its citizens.
(With inputs from India Today)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.