Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday ordered revocation of the order issued by the Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TNSCHE) asking students of arts and science colleges to take their internal tests only in English.
“TNSCHE had issued this order without my knowledge. I wish that the students should be allowed to take their internal tests in the language of their choice, irrespective of their medium of instruction - Tamil or English,” the Chief Minister said in a statement here after chairing a high-level meeting at the Secretariat.
During the discussions, it was told that the order was issued only to English medium students with a view to improve their English language skills and that the order would not be applicable to Tamil medium students.
Jayalalithaa said she had directed TNSCHE officials to allow students studying in English medium to take their examinations in Tamil and also directed them to withdraw their earlier order.
The order drew criticisms from political parties and some organisations, which alleged that it was an effort to impose English in the State, where the official language was Tamil.
In 2012-2013, TNSCHE made efforts to strengthen the higher education system. A series of discussions were held with vice-chancellors, directors of curriculum development cells, controllers of examinations and other officials.
In its recommendation, TNSCHE, under the subject ‘Reforms in Examination System’, said, “Internal assessments such as tests, assignments and seminars should compulsorily be written only in English.”
