Tamil Nadu government schools will remain operational despite low enrolment: Minister Rajmohan

The Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Vellore hosted its ‘Achievers Appreciation Day ’26’ on Thursday to honour headmasters of government and government-aided high schools and higher secondary schools across Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai districts. A 100 percent pass percentage in the public examinations during the 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 years

Speaking at the VIT event , Rajmohan, School Education Minister, said, “We will not close government schools merely because of low enrolment. In remote corners, hamlets and hilltops where even human footprints are rare, a school with a single teacher stands ready for the child of a poor family."

He assured that schools in remote villages and hill regions would continue to operate even if they had only one teacher. His statement came following concerns over the closure of government schools across the country due to declining enrolment .

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During the event, G Viswanathan, VIT Chancellor, had highlighted the closure of nearly 94,000 schools across India over the past decade, including more than 200 in Tamil Nadu. Responding to the observation, Rajmohan acknowledged the figures but assured that the state government was not considering school closures on account of low enrolment.

He also said that no government school had been shut since the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government took office around six months ago. The minister's assurance is significant for students and families in remote and geographically isolated areas, where government schools often provide the only accessible option for formal education.

Schools with limited staff and small student populations, particularly in hill settlements and distant hamlets, will continue to receive support, he said. The government will also boost public education and encourage more students to enrol in government schools instead of relying on closures as a response to low student numbers.