Sought inputs from IMD on heatwave conditions in June, will decide on reopening date after discussing with CM: Minister Rajmohan

Chennai: The school education department has sought inputs from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to check for possible heatwave-like conditions in the first week of June. Based on the inputs, a discussion will be held with chief minister C Joseph Vijay to postpone the reopening date of schools, school education minister Rajmohan told mediapersons on Monday.

The minister’s response comes in the wake of several representations from school associations and education activists seeking a postponement of the reopening date from Jun 1 to 8.

To a query on sensitising students to child helplines, the minister said that the newly launched textbooks for classes I-III -- in line with the state education policy -- had these numbers printed on the first few pages to raise awareness . He further said that debates and special classes and orientation sessions to inculcate scientific temper in children will be held this academic year.

On the long-pending demands of part-time and secondary grade teachers’, who staged state-wide protests this year before the elections, and the unfilled vacancies to teacher posts in elementary and middle schools, the minister said that a special grievance meeting will be held to tabulate their concerns. “We will assess what can be done in each case. Some of these demands have administrative concerns, while some are legal. We will tabulate the concerns and work for teachers’ welfare. This govt stands by students, teachers and parents -- in that order,” he added. Earlier, he handed over appointment orders to six teachers appointed as tailoring teachers through the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB).