Every eligible student in every village should have an opportunity to study higher education, that’s our government’s aim: TN Minister for Higher Education

The main objective of the TVK-led coalition government is to ensure that every eligible student in every village in Tamil Nadu can pursue higher education, Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan said in Chennai on Monday.

“Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said soon after assuming charge that no eligible student in any village in the state should ever face the situation of not getting a seat in a higher institution. Therefore, our government’s priority would be to provide admission to aspiring students in engineering and polytechnic colleges,” he told reporters after reviewing the readiness for ongoing admissions to engineering, polytechnic and arts courses.

Highlighting the role of facilitation centers set up across the state to provide assistance to students during the admission process, he said the centers are manned by experienced teachers who will provide answers to most queries students may have, including which courses would lead to job opportunities. “Education, employment and empowerment are the focus of this government. We have vacancies. I urge students to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Mr. Viswanathan.

For a whole generation of students, education alone would not be enough, because given their disadvantaged environment, it should lead to some kind of livelihood. He claimed that this government would train its guns to achieve this and implement its own plans.

Asked about allegations that ineligible institutions were extended affiliation by state universities, he said the pre-affiliation was under inspection and the ministry would monitor the process to ensure that institutions with quality faculty members, laboratories and facilities were available to students.

Responding to a candid question regarding the capitation fee accepted by the institutions from students, the minister said the government is clear that it will not allow any donation or financial irregularities to take place under its watch. “I would like to assure you that this government will not lose the autonomy, sovereignty and independence of the state. This department will be managed in a transparent and non-corrupt manner,” he noted.

V. Arun Roy, Secretary Higher Education, E. Sundaravalli, Commissioner Higher Education and S. Visakan, Director Technical Education were present at the review meeting.

Published – 02 Jun 2026 05:30 IST