PUDUCHERRY: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a rally and demonstration in Puducherry on Friday condemning the imposition of the CBSE curriculum in government schools and demanding the introduction of the State Samacheer Kalvi system.
The rally was led by CPI(M) Puducherry state secretary Ramachandran and concluded in front of the Education Department. State committee members, senior district secretaries and several others took part.
Inaugurating the protest, CPI(M) politburo member K Balakrishnan said, “By sidelining the state syllabus, students are left without the option of learning in Tamil. Borderline marks are being given just to show a high pass percentage in class 12 examinations. Despite passing, students are unable to secure admission in important subjects in colleges or face setbacks in competitive exams. They are also struggling to gain admission in higher education, including medicine and engineering.”
He added, “Around 10,000 students have dropped out without continuing school education. Education Minister Namassivayam should resign because he is implementing only BJP policies and depriving students of education. This situation has created a future without employment for Puducherry students. Everyone must unite against the Puducherry government to demand a change in the education policy."
"Both CBSE and the state syllabus must co-exist in government schools. It is necessary to discuss the matter in the Assembly after consulting educationists and teachers. Except in Puducherry, no other state has implemented CBSE as the only curriculum in government schools, not even in BJP-ruled states.”
The protestors also demanded equal opportunity for the state’s Samacheer Kalvi in government schools.
Speaking to reporters after the protest, Balakrishnan said, “All political parties and organisations must unite and fight against the implementation of CBSE in government schools. The Supreme Court ordered teachers to clear the TET exam in two years. The state government assured special training for the teachers to clear the test. The Puducherry government should also extend support."