Faculty recruitment and pay
Tamil Nadu plans to recruit 6,000 assistant professors in three phases across government arts and science, engineering and polytechnic colleges. The long-pending Career Advancement Scheme for eligible college teachers is to take effect with financial benefits from September 1.
Guest lecturers in government arts, science and engineering colleges will receive ₹35,000 a month, while those in polytechnic colleges will receive ₹30,000 — a ₹5,000 increase in both cases.
Student finance
A new Education Guarantee Scheme will offer collateral-free education loans of up to ₹20 lakh. Full tuition-fee waivers have also been announced for qualifying first-generation students from disadvantaged backgrounds who studied in government or government-aided schools, and for students from agricultural families owning less than two acres of land.
Fifty transgender students in higher education are to receive ₹2 lakh each toward education, living and medical costs.
Research and institutional reform
Ten accredited government colleges are to be upgraded to autonomous status. The state also plans a new Institute of Excellence in Basic Sciences with university-like powers through dedicated legislation, alongside a new science and technology policy. Engineering students will be supported for ten satellite-design projects a year.
