Over 4,500 Tamil Nadu schools join reading challenge

Over 4,500 schools in Tamil Nadu are participating in a 100-day reading challenge. The initiative was announced by School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, who has been invited to visit 4,554 schools. The challenge aims to improve students' reading and arithmetic skills. Some reports suggest that Tamil Nadu students struggle with these subjects. P.A. Naresh, the Director of Elementary Education, explained this goal is to change that perception. The project started in November 2024 after Mr. Mahesh visited a primary school in Krishnagiri district. There, he observed a principal testing her students in language and math. Schools involved in this challenge can focus on teaching reading in both Tamil and English. The 100-day challenge will conclude in early April. A public event will be held to assess the students' progress. The School Education Department has instructed District Education Officers to meet with principals and provide guidance to ensure the success of the challenge.