CHENNAI — In a comprehensive interview with NDTV, Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister P Viswanathan declared an absolute war on institutional corruption while robustly defending the TVK-led government’s autonomous educational policies.
The minister addressed critical bottlenecks currently paralyzing the state’s academic framework, fiercely opposed central mandates, and shared a highly optimistic forecast for the state’s ruling political alliance.
Breaking the Standoff Over 12 Vacant Vice-Chancellor Posts
Addressing the major administrative crisis where 12 state universities are currently functioning without vice-chancellors, Viswanathan detailed the severe fallout on everyday operations, noting that faculty recruitment, salary distribution, and pension processing have all been heavily disrupted.
The minister placed the blame on former Governor RN Ravi, accusing him of overstepping by demanding a UGC nominee on selection panels to align with central mandates.
“We will not allow a UGC nominee as prescribed under the NEP. We need to protect the powers of the state,” Viswanathan stated, emphasizing that the government favors a model with the Chief Minister as Chancellor to safeguard regional rights.
He expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would ultimately rule in favor of the state’s autonomy. Resolving this legal deadlock remains paramount, as the government intends to fill massive faculty vacancies—which currently leave the state dependent on 8,000 guest lecturers—the moment new vice-chancellors assume office.
War on Corruption and Rejection of the NEP
Viswanathan drew a hard line against the commercialization of schooling, acknowledging that the collection of illegal capitation fees by private and aided institutions remains a harsh reality. He promised strict directives to ensure higher education remains affordable for poor and middle-class families.
Most notably, the minister guaranteed a clean break from past bureaucratic malpractices. “Eradicating corruption in higher education is my single agenda,” he asserted, promising an entirely transparent, bribery-free system for authorizing new colleges.
Concurrently, he re-established the state’s total defiance against the National Education Policy (NEP), citing major grievances:
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The Three-Language Formula: Viewed by the administration as a tool for Hindi imposition.
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Multiple Exit Options: Flagged as a problematic feature that will inadvertently raise student dropout rates.
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National Entrance Tests: Opposed to prevent the central standardization of admissions, which the state argues damages educational inclusivity.
Praise for CM Vijay and a Historic Coalition
On governance and student welfare, Viswanathan reaffirmed that the TVK administration will sustain the monthly ₹1,000 assistance scheme for government school students entering college, adding that Chief Minister Vijay will soon unveil an exclusive support package for first-generation learners.
The minister spoke warmly of his experience in the newly formed cabinet, praising the Chief Minister’s governance style.
“It is a joy working with Vijay. He is a leader of good calibre, humble and patient,” he shared.
Viswanathan also marked the historic significance of the current cabinet, noting that Congress is sharing power in Tamil Nadu after 59 years. Reflecting on his own journey as a Dalit leader elected from a general constituency, he stated that the legacy of iconic leaders Kamaraj and Kakkan has officially returned to the Tamil Nadu cabinet. Looking forward, he dismissed the opposition entirely, confidently predicting that the TVK-Congress alliance will sweep the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and leave the DMK completely blank.
