In a recent development surrounding the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association’s resolutions, President Arasakumar has denied reports claiming that private schools would adopt 500 government schools. The controversy stemmed from a press release circulated after the association’s meeting on 30 December 2024. During the meeting, a resolution was passed for private schools to provide infrastructure support to nearby government schools through CSR initiatives. This included contributions like libraries, sports equipment, and sanitation improvements.
However, certain media outlets reported that the resolution included adopting government schools, leading to confusion. Arasakumar is reported to have clarified that the association never used the term “adopt” and emphasized that the resolution was solely about aiding government schools with resources and infrastructure. He expressed disappointment over the misinterpretation, stating that it insulted private school principals’ generosity.
நேற்றைய தினம் நடைபெற்ற, தமிழ்நாடு தனியார் பள்ளிகள் சங்கம் துவக்க விழாவில் நிறைவேற்றப்பட்ட தீர்மானங்களில் ஒன்றான, 500 அரசுப் பள்ளிகள், அவற்றின் அருகிலிருக்கும் தனியார் பள்ளிகளால் மேம்படுத்தப்படும் என்ற தீர்மானத்தை, பள்ளிக் கல்வித் துறை அமைச்சர் திரு. அன்பில் மகேஷ்…
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) January 1, 2025
On the other hand, Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai shared proof of the resolution, which confirmed that the association had no plans to adopt schools. He criticized the government’s failure to fund education adequately and questioned the DMK administration’s promises regarding school infrastructure.
He wrote on his X handle, “It is a well-known fact that in Tamil Nadu, DMK district secretaries, MLAs, ministers, MPs and finally the Gopalapuram family run private schools. In this situation, Mr B.T. Arasakumar, Vice President of the DMK’s headquarters’ press relations, is starting a new association for all private schools across Tamil Nadu under his leadership. The Minister of School Education will also participate in its inaugural ceremony. A press release about the ceremony is being given to the Tamil Nadu media. Based on that press release, leading media, including Dinamani, published a news report on 31.12.2024 under the title “Private schools adopting 500 government schools in Tamil Nadu: Minister Anbil Mahesh praises”. It is usual for the media to publish news based on the press release they receive in such private events where ministers participate. Our questions are as follows: In the Tamil Nadu budget, Rs. Where did the 44,042 crores go? What happened to the DMK’s promise to build new buildings for 10,000 dilapidated schools? Why is the DMK government borrowing a new Rs. 1 lakh crore yearly without fulfilling any basic needs?”
தமிழகத்தில், திமுக மாவட்டச் செயலாளர்கள் தொடங்கி, சட்டமன்ற உறுப்பினர்கள், அமைச்சர்கள், நாடாளுமன்ற உறுப்பினர்கள் என இறுதியில் கோபாலபுரம் குடும்பம் வரை, தனியார் பள்ளிகள் நடத்தி வருவது அனைவரும் அறிந்த உண்மை.
இந்த நிலையில், திமுகவின் தலைமைக் கழக செய்தித் தொடர்பு துணைத்தலைவராக… pic.twitter.com/LzxpA2A3OQ
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) January 2, 2025
It is noteworthy that Arasakumar has been seen with the DMK leadership quite often.
அந்த சங்கத்தின் தலைவர் அரசகுமார் இவர் தான்😂🚶🏻♂️➡️ pic.twitter.com/MN3NiWnGaN
— Bagavath Pratheep (@Bagavathprathee) January 2, 2025
Background
On 30 December 2024, during the inaugural event of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association—formed by the merger of six private school associations—nine resolutions were passed urging the government to address critical issues private schools face. Among the key demands was the timely release of funds for the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which the association highlighted as a significant concern.
The resolutions called for the permanent recognition of matriculation, nursery, and primary schools that meet specific criteria. Another resolution proposed a policy change to relax regulations for private school buildings constructed before 31 May 2023. It urged the government to allow primary and nursery schools with sufficient classrooms to be upgraded to middle schools.
The association also demanded that the government release the pending RTE funds within the same academic year to cover students’ tuition fees. They further suggested that only students with at least 75% attendance should be eligible to sit for board exams.
In addition, the association called for establishing an expert committee chaired by a retired judge to address the legal challenges private schools face. As part of a special resolution, they announced plans to adopt 500 government schools during the 2025-2026 academic year.
During the event, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi stated that a resolution decision would be made after discussions with the Chief Minister. The minister and School Education Secretary, S Madhumathi, explained that the delay in RTE fund disbursement was due to the central government’s hold-up in releasing funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme.
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