13

Sep

Tamil Nadu Takes Centre Stage In National  Discourse On Education

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N Sathiya Moorthy

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Chennai | Friday | 13 September 2024   

In today’s national discourse on education, Tamil Nadu often takes centre stage. The state’s approach to education, from elementary to professional levels, emphasizes social change and upliftment, focusing on creating opportunities for marginalized communities. This focus is in ideological contrast to the existing feudal system, which has resisted change even after India's independence. While some national efforts sought to break this structure, they have largely failed to address deep-rooted inequalities. Recently, there has been a push to return to an antiquated order under the guise of nationalism, which disregards the unique social dynamics of states like Tamil Nadu.

To understand Tamil Nadu's opposition to policies like the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), it's essential to recognize the state's progress over the past century. Tamil Nadu has achieved significant social change through education reforms initiated by the Dravidian movement, which focused on social justice. Today, the state boasts one of the highest doctor-to-population ratios in India, comparable to Scandinavian countries.

Tamil Nadu was among the first states to privatize professional education, but it has also ensured access to public education. Every district has a government medical college, and these institutions are equipped with teaching hospitals to serve the local population. The fear surrounding NEET is twofold: first, that it will prevent students from poor and rural backgrounds from accessing medical education; second, that these students cannot afford expensive private tuition, often essential for NEET preparation.

 

Article at a Glance
Tamil Nadu's education system is a model for social change and upliftment, focusing on marginalized communities and creating opportunities for the poor. The state's approach to education has achieved significant social progress, with a high doctor-to-population ratio and access to public education.
However, the introduction of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) threatens to undermine these gains, disproportionately affecting students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. The state's resistance to NEET is part of a larger ideological battle between state governments and the central government, with concerns about cultural homogenization and the erosion of regional identities.
Tamil Nadu's commitment to diversity and inclusivity in education is a strength that should be celebrated and preserved, rather than forced to conform to a one-size-fits-all model. The state's unique approach to education is a valuable contribution to India's social and cultural fabric.

 

In response, Tamil Nadu had previously eliminated the need for entrance exams for professional courses and instead relied on Plus-Two board exam results for admissions. This policy relieved financial pressure on rural and underprivileged families and reduced stress on students. The state's approach ensured that students from disadvantaged backgrounds could pursue careers in medicine and other fields, fostering social stability and progress.

Tamil Nadu’s focus on education has not only improved public healthcare but has also contributed to broader social changes. Government programs for pregnant women, including regular medical reminders and nutritional packages, have enhanced maternal and child health. Additionally, fiscal initiatives for the female child have reshaped the societal outlook, challenging feudal and patriarchal norms.

The state's long-standing emphasis on education, particularly women’s education, has led to significant social advancements. Even in rural areas, families have embraced smaller family norms, and students from lower-income backgrounds now aspire to become doctors, engineers, and scientists. NEET, however, threatens these aspirations, as it disproportionately affects students who cannot afford private coaching, thereby limiting their chances of upward mobility.

The introduction of NEET was not a political move but rather a decision by the Supreme Court, aimed at ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals enter the medical profession. While the intention is to improve the quality of healthcare, the reality in Tamil Nadu paints a different picture. Complaints of medical negligence in the state’s government hospitals are rare, and community-led actions against negligence in both public and private hospitals are common, highlighting the state's commitment to quality healthcare.

The NEET debate is part of a broader ideological conflict between state governments, particularly those in non-BJP-ruled states, and the central government. In Tamil Nadu, this has taken the form of a public clash between Governor R.N. Ravi and the ruling DMK government over the state's education system. Similar conflicts are playing out in other states, where governors appointed by the central government are perceived as promoting a Hindutva agenda, which seeks to centralize control over education and impose a uniform cultural identity across the country.

The push for homogenization of education is seen by many as an attempt to reintroduce feudalistic policies that favor the privileged at the expense of the marginalized. This trend is not limited to Tamil Nadu; in several states, governors and BJP-led governments are clashing with local governments over education policies. The fear is that this will lead to a rollback of the social gains achieved through affirmative action and reservation policies, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, which have been pioneers in these reforms for over a century.

Affirmative action in Tamil Nadu has played a crucial role in breaking down feudal structures and promoting social mobility. The state's long-standing commitment to free education, along with initiatives like noon meals and free breakfast programs, has ensured that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to education and better opportunities. This approach has been central to the state's transformation and its resistance to the reintroduction of a feudal order through educational reforms.

The BJP's efforts to centralize and homogenize education have far-reaching implications for the future of Indian society. By imposing a uniform education system, these policies risk erasing the unique cultural and social dynamics that have shaped different states. Tamil Nadu, with its strong commitment to both "constitutional nationalism" and "cultural nationalism," exemplifies the importance of maintaining a diverse and inclusive education system that respects regional identities.

Attempts to homogenize education threaten to undermine the very fabric of India’s diversity. The country’s strength lies in its unity in diversity, a principle enshrined in the Constitution. Forcing states like Tamil Nadu to conform to a one-size-fits-all education model risks undoing the social progress made over decades and reintroducing inequalities that have long been fought against.

In conclusion, Tamil Nadu’s resistance to policies like NEET is not merely a local issue but a reflection of a larger national debate on the future of education. Homogenizing education may serve the interests of a few, but it will not serve the national good. Instead, India should celebrate and preserve the diversity that has been its strength, allowing states like Tamil Nadu to continue their unique contributions to the nation's social and cultural fabric.

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