The decision to suspend BE courses drew heavy criticism from various sections across the state (Representational image)
Earlier this week, a circular was circulated to constituent colleges to discontinue Tamil programs in BE Civil and BE Mechanical from the academic session 2023-24 due to low enrollment of students.
Days after Anna University suspended civil and mechanical engineering programmes, Vice-Chancellor R Velraj rescinded the decision to ‘temporarily suspend’ Tamil medium undergraduate (UG) engineering courses in its 11 affiliated colleges. The Vice-Chancellor of the University said that the decision has been withdrawn following the advice of Higher Education Minister K Ponmudi. He made this announcement during a press conference held in Chennai on Thursday, 25 May.
The decision to suspend BE courses drew heavy criticism from various sections across the state. Earlier this week, a circular was circulated to constituent colleges to discontinue Tamil programs in BE Civil and BE Mechanical from the academic session 2023-24 due to low enrollment of students.
“We had started civil and mechanical courses in Tamil. It is believed that the university is neglecting its mother tongue. it is not true. Candidates showing interest in other subjects. We wanted to introduce courses like computer science and engineering which students now prefer,” Velraj said as per The Hindu report.
The Vice-Chancellor further said that Tamil medium Bachelor in Engineering (BE) courses in Civil and Mechanical would continue this year as usual. The report added that Velraj also said that the decision was approved by the syndicate as well.
On the other hand, Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education Minister Ponmudi expressed disappointment over Velraj’s decision to suspend civil and mechanical engineering courses in Tamil medium. He clarified that the decision of ‘temporary suspension’ was taken without the knowledge of the state government.
Recently interacting with reporters in Villupuram, Ponmudi insisted that the state government had ‘red-flagged the Vice-Chancellor’s decision’, following which the announcement has been withdrawn. Ponmudi said the vice-chancellor made the announcement without the consent of the government.
“The government will continue to offer engineering programs in Tamil medium in the university. In fact, arrangements have been made to introduce Tamil medium in some other courses as well,” said the Higher Education Minister, TN.
Ponmudi also pointed out that the government had earlier directed all vice-chancellors as well as principals of engineering colleges to announce new courses or discontinue existing courses only after obtaining the approval of the secretary to the state government.
