Tamil Nadu movement launches signature campaign over government school enrolment
The Palli Kalvi Paadhukaappu Iyakkam is demanding pre-primary classes and mother-tongue instruction to address declining student numbers.
The Palli Kalvi Paadhukaappu Iyakkam has launched a statewide signature campaign to address declining enrolment and the closure of primary schools in Tamil Nadu, according to Urban Acres.
Organisers began the campaign at the Coimbatore district collectorate, demanding that all government schools introduce LKG and UKG classes. The group is also seeking the restoration of instruction in the mother tongue.
S Chandrasekar, the movement’s Coimbatore zone representative, said the campaign will run for one month through various regions and online. The group aims to collect between 25,000 and 30,000 signatures in Coimbatore.
The movement cited data stating that out of 24,349 government primary schools in the state, 246 have closed. They claimed that 14,829 schools, or 60.9 per cent of the total, have fewer than 30 students.
According to the organisers, 3,027 schools have fewer than 10 students, while 6,635 have fewer than 20 students, and 5,167 have fewer than 30 students. The remaining 9,520 schools have more than 30 students.
A statewide outreach programme is scheduled from January 21 to 31, 2027. This will include public meetings and a tour of more than 100 locations to involve teachers and local communities.