Chennai: In a major policy shift, Tamil Nadu's School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has announced that individuals found guilty of sexual harassment in schools will have their educational qualifications revoked.

The decision comes in the wake of disturbing incidents of sexual harassment involving schoolchildren in the state. Recently, three teachers in a government school in Krishnagiri were accused of sexually assaulting a student. In another case, four individuals, including administrators of a private school in Manapparai, were arrested for sexually harassing a fourth-grade student.

Minister Mahesh emphasized that if allegations of sexual harassment are proven, the offenders will face severe consequences, including the cancellation of their educational certificates. Additionally, a new initiative will be launched to enable students to report cases of harassment safely.

The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has introduced an amendment in the Assembly to curb sexual crimes.

The Chief Minister stressed that those involved in such offenses will face strict legal action, and the School Education Department will collaborate with the police to prevent further incidents.