CHENNAI — Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin released a report detailing four years of school education achievements. The report highlights progress in foundational learning programs, school infrastructure, and teacher appointments under the state’s Dravidian Model government.
Foundational Learning Initiatives
Two key programs, Illam Thedi Kalvi and Ennum Ezhuthum, have driven foundational learning efforts across the state.
Illam Thedi Kalvi Program
The Illam Thedi Kalvi program has reached 9.6 million students. It operates through 1.65 lakh volunteers. The state allocated Rs 660.35 crore for the initiative. For the 2024-2025 academic year, 50,000 centers are active. These centers benefit 7.97 lakh students from classes 1 to 5.
Ennum Ezhuthum Mission
The Ennum Ezhuthum foundational learning mission covers 2.5 million children. It operates in 37,767 government and government-aided schools. The scheme launched to improve basic literacy and numeracy. Its goal is for all students in classes 1 to 5 to achieve reading, writing, and basic arithmetic skills by 2025. Currently, 25.08 lakh students benefit from this scheme.
Practice books, categorized by level (Arumbu, Mottu, Malar), are provided for students in classes 1 to 5. Teachers receive guidebooks with Quick Response (QR) codes. An additional 123 books, alongside a reading movement guidebook, have been distributed. These materials are categorized into four reading levels: Nuzhai, Nada, Odu, and Para. This benefits 44.50 lakh students from classes 1 to 12.
School Infrastructure Development
The Anaithu Palli Anbazhagan School Infrastructure Development Scheme has spent Rs 2,917.03 crore. This funding upgraded facilities in 4,426 schools across Tamil Nadu.
Reading and Library Movement
The Kalaignar Centenary Library in Madurai houses 3,64,521 books. It recorded 8.36 lakh visitors this academic year. A Reading Movement was launched as a pilot project in 11 unions across 11 districts. This initiative benefited 66,618 students from classes 4 to 9 in 914 government schools.
A ‘Reading Marathon’ was held during summer vacation. It offered continuous reading programs in Tamil and English. Short film festivals were also organized at Illam Thedi Kalvi centers.
Teacher Appointments and Welfare
The state government appointed 3,043 graduate teachers. It also appointed 97 block-level education officers. The government initiated full-body health check-ups for teachers. Smart classrooms, model schools, and hi-tech labs were upgraded.
Additional schemes support STEM learning, student tours, Tamil-medium incentives, and literacy programs for adults and prisoners.
Key Achievements at a Glance
| Program/Initiative | Key Figures |
|---|---|
| Illam Thedi Kalvi | 9.6 million students reached, 1.65 lakh volunteers. Rs 660.35 crore allocated. 50,000 centers in 2024-25 benefiting 7.97 lakh students (Classes 1-5). |
| Ennum Ezhuthum Mission | 2.5 million children covered in 37,767 schools. 25.08 lakh students directly benefit (Classes 1-5). |
| School Infrastructure Upgrades | Rs 2,917.03 crore spent, 4,426 schools upgraded. |
| Teacher Appointments | 3,043 graduate teachers, 97 block-level education officers appointed. |
| Kalaignar Centenary Library | 3,64,521 books, 8.36 lakh visitors. |
| Reading Movement | Pilot in 11 districts, 66,618 students (Classes 4-9) in 914 schools. |