TN Govt defends decision on deferring uniform school education

Updated on: Friday, June 10, 2011

The AIADMK government defended in the Madras High Court its decision to defer implementation of the uniform system of school education (USSE), saying the text books prepared for it were mere propaganda materials of the previous DMK regime.

State Advocate General A Naveenathakrishnan, who produced copies of the books to support his argument, also told the court that the present government had not abandoned the USSE and only wanted to "give a good syllabus and good books to the students."

He made the submissions when a batch of PILs challenging the government's decision and the constitutional validity of Tamil Nadu Uniform System of School Education Amendment) Act 2011 came up for hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice M Y Eqbal and Justice T S Sivagnanam.

Exhibiting a Class VI text book of social science, he said it started with discussing the growth of Tamil Nadu "under the leadership of our Chief Minister Dr M Karuananidhi."

He also referred to another book of fourth standard which contained a half page write-up on Chennai Sangamam, an annual cultural show and a pet project of Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi.

The advocate general also submitted that 'Semmozhi' poem written by Karunanidhi had been printed in the books of all classes. "This is not a subject one must learn in school education," he said.

When Justice Eqbal observed that Rs 200 crore had been already spent on printing the books, Naveenathakrishnan said it was spent by the previous government for its own glory.

"It is no study material. Around Rs 200 crore was wasted. They have written about themselves and not others. India is a nation of Mahatma Gandhi, but there is nothing about him."

Justifying the AIADMK government's decision to withdraw the text books, the Advocate General said the question of expenditure was not important. "The future generations in Tamil Nadu is very important."

He contended that young minds should not be politicised.

The government after thorough consideration found prima facie that the study materials were of inferior standard, he said, adding that the decisions of the high court had not been followed in letter and spirit too.

Hence, the government had amended the Act.

The AG said the present government had taken right decision by keeping in suspension the USSE. New books with fresh syllabus would be available on June 15, when the schools are to open after vacation.

He also contended that there was noting illegal and unconstitutional in bringing the amendment. "The government has not abandoned the USSE but will review the system and implement it after receiving fresh report," he said.

TN Govt defends decision on deferring uniform school education

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