The headmistress has been suspended for the Chief Minister’s review at Karur Government School

Education Minister Rajmohan. | Photo credit: S. SIVA SARAVANAN

The school education department has suspended the principal of Panchayat Union Middle School (Girls) at Krishnayapuram in Karur for violating the department’s circular issued on July 9 and for dereliction of duty.

The action comes hours after a video surfaced on social media showing a live screening of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s visit to Karur on the school premises with students in attendance.

The order stated that S. Malliga was suspended under sub-rule (e) of rule 17 of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (D&A) Rules. Sharing the suspension order on his X handle, Education Minister Rajmohan said it was “inappropriate to screen the live telecast of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) event for students in the school”.

“There is no place for politics in educational institutions,” Mr. Rajmohan wrote, adding that he has issued instructions to all education directors and school principals to ensure that such incidents do not recur in any school in the state.

The Minister stated that he had ordered an immediate and detailed investigation into the matter, which confirmed that the director had acted unilaterally and contrary to the department’s orders.

The order in question was issued by the ministry, signed by the minister, on 9 July, stating that “except for official events organized by the government, there should be no birthday parties or non-governmental events. No political parties or private organizations are allowed to meet directly with students”.

The order came in response to a backlash after a video surfaced on social media of an inspection conducted by Industries Minister S. Keerthana at a school in Sivakasi on July 2, where the minister was seen scolding a student for not answering her questions in English. Mr. Rajmohan also said an investigation was underway into another video that surfaced on social media, but did not give details of the incident.

Published – 10 Jul 2026 23:31 IST