Tamil Nadu’s Trailblazing Reforms in Education Under Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi

Under the visionary leadership of Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, the Tamil Nadu Department of School Education has placed social development at the core of its mission. This commitment is profoundly evident in the department’s progressive policies and transformative schemes aimed at reshaping the educational landscape.

When the DMK government assumed power amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi became the School Education Minister with the guiding principle: “Everything for Everyone.” This ethos is reflected in its strategic initiatives, which not only introduce innovative schemes tailored to contemporary societal needs but also revitalize existing programmes to enhance their effectiveness.

The proactive approach of Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi underscores his dedication to educational advancement. His tenure has been marked by far-reaching reforms, a fact acknowledged by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who, during a Parents-Teachers Conference, lauded his leadership, declaring:

“Anbil Mahesh’s tenure in the School Education Department is the golden age of the department.”

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. M.K.Stalin

அன்பில் மகேஸ் அமைச்சராக இருக்கும் காலம் பள்ளிக்கல்வித் துறையின் பொற்காலம்!- மு.க.ஸ்டாலின்

Such high praise from the state’s leadership underscores the transformative impact of his policies, cementing his legacy in Tamil Nadu’s educational progress.

To bring global best practices to Tamil Nadu, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has visited Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Singapore, interacting with leading educationists and institutions. His overseas engagements have played a crucial role in shaping Tamil Nadu’s progressive educational policies.

Key Achievements of the School Education Department

Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme

A first-of-its-kind initiative, the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme provides nutritious morning meals to 2 million (20 lakh) government school students in Classes 1 to 5. This transformative programme has significantly reduced dropout rates, improved attendance, and enhanced student focus.

Additionally, it has notably improved children’s health, effectively combating anaemia and mitigating the effects of malnutrition. The scheme’s success has led to its expansion to previously uncovered schools and its adoption by other Indian states and countries, reinforcing its global impact in promoting child nutrition and educational equity.

Illam Thedi Kalvi – Learning at the Doorstep

Launched to bridge post-pandemic learning gaps, this initiative engaged 2 lakh volunteers from across Tamil Nadu to provide activity-based lessons to 24 lakh students. It successfully reintegrated children into formal education, reducing dropout rates in the state.

234/77 – Comprehensive School Assessment

Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi personally visited schools across all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and assessed them based on 77 key criteria, culminating in the digital report OrumaiKan, which now serves as a roadmap for further improvements. He launched this ambitious project on 10 October 2022 and submitted the first report to Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin on 27 November 2024. An assessment of this scale and depth has never been undertaken under any previous government.

Enhanced Foundational Learning and Numeracy:

Reading, writing, and arithmetic skills of government school students are being strengthened through consistent focus. Fortnightly magazines such as Oonjal and Thenchittu are published to support and enhance this learning effectively.

Dropout Rate Reduction

Student-focused initiatives have brought down school dropout rates from 16% in 2021 to below 5% in 2024—a remarkable achievement under Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi’s leadership.

Vanavil Mandram – STEM on Wheels

A mobile STEM team conducts hands-on experiments to eliminate fear of Maths and Science, making learning interactive and engaging.

Supporting Teachers

Teachers in Tamil Nadu government schools are now equipped with tablets, enabling access to the latest educational resources and making teaching more efficient and impactful. Every year since Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi assumed office as Minister, outstanding teachers have been selected under the Kanavu Asiriyar scheme and taken on international exposure trips, celebrating their excellence and broadening their perspectives.

Global Exposure for Government School Students

For the eighth consecutive year, students excelling in competitions such as film review, debate, quiz, speech, and art have been sent on foreign educational trips to Singapore, South Korea, Japan, France, Malaysia, Russia, and Dubai. Additionally, under the Kanavu Asiriyar initiative, selected teachers were also given the opportunity to visit these countries.

Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has ensured these visits result in valuable learning experiences and tangible improvements in the state’s education system.

Smart Classrooms & Digital Transformation

Tamil Nadu government schools now feature 28,794 Smart Classrooms, Hi-Tech Labs, English Language Labs, and Digital Libraries, ensuring students receive a world-class education.

Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi personally signed a landmark MoU with Microsoft at their headquarters, introducing the Technical Education and Learning Support (TEALS) programme to enhance digital learning and skill development.

Student Safety & Well-being

Education Helpline (14417)

A 24/7 toll-free helpline dedicated to addressing grievances and providing career guidance for government and government-aided school students. It offers support on schemes, scholarship-related issues, harassment complaints, and guidance during examinations.

Manasu Petti

Confidential complaint boxes placed in schools enable students to report harassment and mental health concerns. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi’s unwavering commitment to this initiative is evident as he consistently advocates for student safety, even wearing T-shirts imprinted with the helpline number at public events.

Encouraging Talent & Higher Education

State-wide Cultural Fests and Competitions

These events encourage students to showcase their extracurricular talents, a focus area in Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi’s tenure.

Centenary Government Schools Celebration

2,211 centenary government schools were identified and honoured for their contributions to society.

South Asian Higher Education Conclave

This initiative guides government school students in pursuing higher education in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Chennai Literature Festival

Held at Anna Centenary Library, this festival celebrates Tamil literary heritage and fosters a love for literature among students.

Tamil Nadu International Book Fair initiated by Anbil Mahesh

Led by Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Tamil Nadu successfully hosted its first International Book Fair, attracting global publishers and fostering literary collaborations for three consecutive years.

Kalaignar Centenary Library – A Literary Marvel

Built in Madurai at ₹206 crore, the library has attracted 15 lakh visitors in the past year, cementing Tamil Nadu’s commitment to education and knowledge.

These remarkable achievements of the Tamil Nadu School Education Department under the leadership of Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi stand as a testament to his vision and dedication. Beyond the milestones listed above, there are 50+ additional schemes and initiatives currently running with equal intensity, continuing to drive Tamil Nadu’s education revolution.

Visit Kalaignar Centenary Library

Tamil Nadu is setting new benchmarks in school education, ensuring quality learning, innovation, and global exposure for government school students.