Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department Mandates Placement Duties for HoDs

The Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department has directed Heads of Departments (HoDs) to lead student placement efforts by partnering with industry leaders and formalizing MOUs. HoDs are tasked with identifying skill training verticals and facilitating industry-related projects, with a list of placement coordinators due to TANSCHE by November 16.

Education activists have criticized the directive, arguing that HoDs should prioritize research and academic curriculum development over administrative placement duties. The State Platform for Common School System – Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN) condemned the move as an attempt to transform higher education institutions into vocational training centers, expressing concern over the implementation of National Education Policy 2020 components.

Editor's note: The brief concisely captures the mandate, the specific requirements for HoDs, and the nature of the backlash from education activists.