Chennai: Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Govi Chezian on Sunday announced that employees working in industrial companies will soon be permitted to pursue degree and diploma courses in engineering and polytechnic colleges across the state.

Making a series of announcements in the Assembly, the Minister said programmes under the banner 'Maaperum Tamil Kanavugal' would be organized at a cost of Rs 3 crore.

He also said that 500 students would be selected to participate in the World Skills Competition scheduled to be held in Shanghai, China, in September 2026. These students will receive guidance, practical training, and experiential learning through programmes worth Rs 2.5 crore.

Further, an Industry Institution Interface Cell will be set up in government polytechnic colleges at a cost of Rs 1.08 crore to strengthen industry-academic collaboration.

The Minister added that STEM laboratories would be established at a cost of Rs 20 crore in two district capitals to provide hands-on experience in scientific experiments to students.

Additionally, a special unit for issuing drone operation certificates will be created near Chennai at a cost of Rs 15 lakh, he said.