Steps will be taken to enrol children in schools near their villages: Minister

School Education Minister Thangam Thennerasu unveiled heritage clubs in 184 government and eight aided schools in the district on Tuesday. He also inaugurated the 4th Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya School (KGBV) in Krishnagiri meant for girls belonging predominantly to the SC, ST, OBC and minorities in difficult areas

Speaking of the occasion, Mr. Thennarasu said the district has a special place in the history and its archaeological monuments dates back to Tippu Sultan.

The initiative of establishing Heritage Clubs in the schools was announced by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi at the initiative of the Education Department. Such Clubs would help students to know about lesser known archaeological important places. He said the three of the ‘Kadaiyezhu' kings – Valvil Ori, Adhyamaan and Nalli belong to this region. Regarding the expansion of the district museum, Mr. Thennarasu said the Government would take necessary steps provided land was allocated by the district administration.

The Minister also said that the enrolment rate of the children in Class I was 99 per cent which was highest in the nation. The Education Department would take all efforts to bring all the children enrolled in the schools nearby to their villages. The officials are making extra efforts to bring children from hilly and remote areas. As many as 13 schools have been upgraded during the current academic year which is highest in the State, the Minister pointed out.

As part of improving the education level of the educationally backward blocks, two model schools on the lines of the Kendriya Vidyalayas were established in Shoolagiri and Kelamangalam, each at a cost of Rs. 3 crore.

Mr. Thennarasu also released two books brought out by the Krishnagiri District Historical Research Centre. The first copy was received by E.G. Sugavanam, Krishnagiri MP.

Later, the Minister also gave away plaques to the best teachers and distributed bags, books and other materials to the five girls who were admitted to the newly-inaugurated KGBV School in Thaly. The students were also given a handbook on Heritage Clubs at the function.

In his welcome address former MLA and president Krishnagiri District Historical Centre K.A. Manoharan urged the Minister to conduct government function for King Nalli.

C. Prakasam, District Revenue Officer, presided over the function. G. Murthy, Chief Educational Officer, proposed a vote of thanks.

Troupe of Pachikanapalli Sevai Attam performed tribal dance.