No change in pass system of schools in Tamil Nadu, says Minister

Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi
| Photo Credit: R. ASHOK

There will be no change in the pass system of Tamil Nadu schools due to the amendments brought by the Union government in the Right to Education Act. The present system of passing every child till Class VIII will continue, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi said on Monday.

The Union government on Monday announced that under the amended rules of the Right of Children and Free School Education Act, 2010, States could hold regular exams for the students of Class V and VIII and hold them back if they failed.

“In order to ensure that all schoolchildren continue their education without hindrance, a system of compulsory passing up to Class VIII is being implemented in Tamil Nadu. It is truly regrettable that this action of the Union government will create a major hurdle for children belonging to poor families to get education up to Class VIII without hindrance,” Mr. Anbil Mahesh said in a press release.

Clarifying that in Tamil Nadu, the amended rules will apply only for schools run by the Union government, he said, “Parents, students, teachers, and educators in Tamil Nadu need not be confused in any way about the provisions of the Right to Education Act of the Union government. As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, the existing system of passing will continue.”