Chennai: Government schools throughout the country have received 2 lakh more acceptance in 2021-22 compared to the previous academic year, but the budget fund allocation has been cut by 5%, with teachers and activists who say new promises and improve infrastructure will be affected.
Presenting the state budget for 2021-22 on Friday, Minister of Finance Palanivel Thiagarajan announced RS 32,599 Crore for the School Education Department, Rs 1,592 Crore is less than 2020-21, but said this sector provides the highest interest.
P Patric Raymond, Secretary General of the Postgraduate Tamil Nadu Federation, said the department of the school education has received an increase in budget allocation every year over the past few years.
“With 2 other Lakh students also joined government schools, the Department of School Education may require more funds to develop infrastructure including installing additional classrooms and more teachers.
They may have to expand the welfare scheme for all new students in government schools , “he said.
Su Molaffe, Coordinator of the State Federation of Education Development, said the budget 2020-21 did not cut the allocation of funds despite a pandemic.
“The current budget can avoid cutting funds because it will affect the appointment of new teachers to government schools.
If the student’s strength increases by 1 lakh in elementary school, more than 3,000 teachers need to be appointed in the Primary and Medium School of the Government.” On Friday, Minister said the government would ensure 100% net registration at school.
“Even the 0.75% dropout rate at the primary level in 2019-20 will be removed and 100% clean registration will be ascertained.” Registration in government schools has fallen sharply from 76% of the total population of students in 2012 to 53% by 2020, he said.
“The quality of teaching in government schools will be given the highest priority.
The government is determined to ensure TN is taken in the first three countries in terms of learning outcomes.”