Chennai: Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on Monday said that admissions of underprivileged students to private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act will proceed only after the Central government releases the pending funds.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, the minister stated that the Centre is yet to disburse ₹600 crore owed to Tamil Nadu under the RTE Act. "We have made a formal request to the Central government through the School Education Department last month. As per the directions of the Chief Minister, a case has also been filed in the Supreme Court to expedite the matter," he said.

"Only after we receive the funds will we be able to admit poor students to private schools free of cost," the minister added.

Highlighting key developments for the academic year, Mahesh said the state government has taken steps to distribute 13 categories of educational materials, worth ₹1,141 crore, on the reopening day itself, avoiding the usual delay of three to four months.

In a bid to address concerns related to student well-being, especially in light of past incidents involving conflicts between teachers and students, the minister announced that classes on mental and life skills will be held during the first week of the academic session.

On the State Education Policy, Mahesh said the draft report has been submitted to the Chief Minister and will be released soon.