Samacheer Kalvi books propaganda material

Updated on: Friday, June 10, 2011

The books printed under the ‘Samacheer Kalvi Thittam' (uniform school education scheme) of the DMK government were “propaganda material” made available in the name of the scheme, it was submitted before the Madras High Court on Thursday.

During arguments before the First Bench, comprising Chief Justice M.Y. Eqbal and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, Advocate-General (AG) A. Navaneethakrishnan produced books printed under the scheme. Citing one of the contents, he said that half-a-page had been devoted to Chennai Sangamam, a cultural festival. Also, a poem of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was found in the books for all classes. That was not a subject one must learn in school. Young minds could not be politicised. “They have written about themselves at the cost of the government.”

To the question that nearly Rs.200 crore had been spent for printing books under the scheme, the AG said the sum had been spent by the previous government “for their own alleged glory.”

The present government, after going through the material, prima facie found that it was inferior.

The syllabus under the Samacheer scheme was not in the interest of welfare of the students of Tamil Nadu. The present government had followed the judgment of a Division Bench (which upheld the Tamil Nadu Uniform System of Education Act) in letter and spirit. Hence, it brought in the amendment to section 3 of the Act.

The present government had postponed the implementation of the law to enable introduction of a fresh syllabus that would enrich students' knowledge. It was committed to developing children in the right way.

“Our government has not abandoned (the scheme); but our government wants to introduce the scheme with good syllabus and textbooks.”

To the Chief Justice's question as to when the work would be completed, he said, “Within a year.” Books under the old syllabus would be made ready by June 15.

P. Wilson, appearing for a petitioner who opposed the amendment to section 3 of the Act, said education policy should be a one-time policy. It could not be changed now and then. N.G.R. Prasad, senior counsel appearing for the State Platform for Common School System, said without any material, the present government could not say that the entire syllabus under the Samacheer scheme was faulty.

Samacheer Kalvi books propaganda material

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