Date:04/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/04/stories/2009070454330400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Government will consult stakeholders: Thennarasu

Special Correspondent

On school education reforms proposed by Centre

CHENNAI: The State government will consult all stakeholders, including educationists and parents, before framing a position on school education reforms proposed by the Centre, School Education Minister Thangam Thennarasu told the Assembly on Friday.

Replying to C. Gnanasekaran (Congress) during question hour, Mr. Thennarasu said Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal had indicated that States’ views would be sought. The proposals, made in the light of Yashpal Committee’s recommendations, had triggered a nationwide debate.

As for the abolition of public examination for Standard X, he said the Mr. Sibal had termed the proposal optional. It was the qualifying examination for those planning to join polytechnic or industrial training institute.

When the Centre seeks the response of the State, the government will consult all those concerned and after getting the Chief Minister’s approval, make its position clear, the Minister said.

Replying to E.S.S. Raman (Congress), Transport Minister K.N. Nehru said that inter-State supplemental agreements with Karnataka and Kerala had been notified. A similar pact with Andhra Pradesh would be notified shortly. The agreement with Puducherry was being finalised. On notification of these agreements, more buses would be operated.