The decision on the suspension of BE courses was widely criticized by various sections in the state (representative image)
Earlier this week, a circular was circulated to the constituent colleges to halt the Tamil programs in BE Civil and BE Mechanical from the 2023-24 academic session due to poor student enrolment.
Days after Anna University suspended civil engineering and mechanical engineering programs, Vice Chancellor R Velraj reversed the decision on the ‘temporary suspension’ of Tamil medium undergraduate (UG) engineering courses in its 11 member colleges. The varsity vice-chancellor said that the decision has been withdrawn on the advice of Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy. He made the announcement at a press conference in Chennai on Thursday, May 25.
The decision on the suspension of BE courses was widely criticized by various sections in the state. Earlier this week, a circular was circulated to the constituent colleges to halt the Tamil programs in BE Civil and BE Mechanical from the 2023-24 academic session due to poor student enrolment.
“We had started civil and mechanical courses in Tamil. It is perceived as if the university neglects its native language. That is not true. Candidates show interest in other subjects. We wanted to introduce courses like Computer Science and Engineering that students now prefer,” Velraj said, according to The Hindu.
The Vice Chancellor further stated that the Tamil medium Bachelor’s in Engineering (BE) courses in civil and mechanical will continue this year. Velraj also said the decision was approved by the syndicate as well, reports add.
On the other hand, Ponmudy, Minister of Higher Education of TN, expressed disappointment with Velraj’s decision to suspend civil and mechanical engineering education in Tamil medium. He clarified that the decision on the ‘temporary suspension’ was made without the knowledge of the state government.
While interacting with reporters in Villupuram recently, de Ponmudy claimed that the state government had “red flagged the decision of the Vice-Chancellor” after which the announcement has been withdrawn. The vice-chancellor made the announcement without the government’s consent, Ponmudy said.
“The government will continue to offer engineering programs in the Tamil medium in the university. Arrangements have even been made to introduce Tamil medium in a few other courses as well,” said the Higher Education Minister, TN.
Ponmudy also specified that the government had previously instructed all vice-chancellors and directors of technical colleges to make the announcement of new courses or the cancellation of existing ones only after approval from the secretary of the state government.