Tamil Nadu to introduce uniform policy for education loans: Minister
Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan has announced that the state government will work towards a uniform policy to make higher education more affordable for students and parents. Speaking to the media after releasing the Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA) 2026 rank list on Wednesday, the Minister said efforts would be made to ensure students can access bank loans for higher studies.
Responding to a question about capitation fees charged by private institutions, Mr. Viswanathan stated that he had issued oral instructions to colleges allegedly collecting high fees to refrain from doing so in the interest of students. He added that his office is assisting poor and meritorious students in securing admission to private colleges without heavy payments. “Once the counselling process is complete, we will bring out a uniform policy, which will be burden-free for both students and parents,” he said.
The Minister also revealed that all district Collectors have been directed to organise counselling sessions with bank managers to help students obtain loans for higher education.
On the issue of Vice-Chancellor appointments in state-run universities, Mr. Viswanathan said the Chief Minister had convened a meeting with the Advocate General and the Higher Education Secretary to discuss the matter. The government is treating it as a policy issue and monitoring court proceedings. He noted that two Vice-Chancellors are retiring by the end of the year, and without a decision, no Vice-Chancellors would remain in state universities. A decision is expected soon.
Regarding complaints about the recruitment of assistant professors in government arts and science colleges, the Minister said some candidates alleged receiving zero marks in the descriptive section of the exam. The Teachers Recruitment Board, which includes its Chairperson, the Higher Education Secretary, the School Education Secretary, and experts, is examining the complaints and will submit a report within two days, after which a decision will be made.
