Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government will revise the school curriculum, syllabus, and textbooks at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore to enhance students' skills and meet modern technological challenges, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi announced on Sunday.

Making a series of announcements in the Assembly, the Minister said a 'Sikkal Movement' will be launched at a cost of Rs 19 crore to improve Tamil, English, and Mathematics skills among 13 lakh students studying in Classes 6 to 8 in government schools.

Awareness lessons on life skills, gender equality, environmental awareness, healthy eating, positive thinking, and the dangers of drug abuse will be developed at a cost of Rs 26 lakh and included as a dedicated session in schools.

In addition, sports equipment and training will be provided to 46,000 differently-abled students in government schools at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore. Skill training through vocational laboratories will be imparted to 12,000 students pursuing vocational courses in 400 government schools at a cost of Rs 13 crore.

The Minister announced that schools and teachers achieving 100 percent pass rates in Class 10 and Plus 2 exams would be honoured with certificates of appreciation. Similarly, government schools enrolling 50 or more students compared to last year will also be recognised.

Under infrastructure upgrades, 6,478 classrooms will be constructed in government primary schools, and furniture such as tables and chairs will be provided at a cost of Rs 25 crore.

Further, skill development training will be given to 1.25 lakh postgraduate and graduate teachers in government and government-aided schools at a cost of Rs 28 crore. Training for Tamil teachers in private self-financing and board schools will also be undertaken to enhance subject knowledge and teaching practices.

Additionally, awareness training on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act will be provided to teachers and officials of private self-financing schools, the Minister said.