Coimbatore: Rising alcoholism in families is severely affecting the education of students in government and government-aided schools, with many dropping out due to financial and social hardships, teachers and activists have said.

Thousands of students from low and middle-income households depend on these schools, but the death or addiction of a parent—especially fathers—has forced some to discontinue studies. “In the last one month alone, four students in our school lost their fathers to alcoholism and had to move back to their hometowns after obtaining transfer certificates,” a government-aided school teacher said.

Teachers also noted a rise in behavioural issues among children from such households. “Students growing up with alcoholic fathers and broken family structures often use abusive language. Some even develop addictions like chewing 'cool lip',” they said.

Social activists blame the proliferation of TASMAC liquor shops for fuelling the problem, which impacts family income and stability, indirectly hampering children's ability to study. “Even though the government is implementing schemes to improve education, alcoholism remains a major hurdle,” an activist said.

Experts have warned that lack of parental guidance and peer pressure outside school are pushing many children down the wrong path, despite efforts by teachers to keep them disciplined within the campus.