Chengalpattu: Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi clarified that the state government has not issued any order mandating the implementation of 'U'-shaped classrooms in schools.

Interacting with headmasters during review meetings held at Mannivakkam in Chengalpattu district and Kilkadirpur in Kancheepuram district, the minister said the concept of 'U'-shaped classrooms is currently being explored on a trial basis and will be implemented only where found suitable.

Speaking to reporters, he said, “There is no government order to implement 'U'-shaped classrooms. It is just a pilot initiative to evaluate its utility in improving learning outcomes.”

During the meeting, the minister discussed the performance of students in the state-level achievement test conducted by the Tamil Nadu government, which parallels the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Centre in states following the National Education Policy.

He noted that Chengalpattu district ranked 36th in the state in the most recent test and emphasised the importance of fostering students' comprehension and encouraging a culture of inquiry and peer teaching.

“In districts where there is a gap between performance in public exams and the achievement test, teachers must engage with students to identify underlying reasons,” he added.

On the issue of part-time teachers' ongoing strike, the minister said discussions have been held with them and a favourable decision would be announced by the Chief Minister soon.