CHENNAI: The AIADMK Government today defended in the Madras High Court its decision to defer implementation of the uniform system of school education (USSE), saying the text books prepared for it were mere propaganda materials of the previous DMK regime printed using the state funds.State Advocate General A Naveenathakrishnan, who produced copies of books of some classes in support of his arguement, also told the court that the present government had not abandoned the USE and only wanted to "give a good syllabus and good books to the students."He made the submissions when a batch of PIL petitions challenging the government's decision and the Constitutional validity of Tamil Nadu Uniform System of School Education (Amendment) Act 2011 passed by the assembly on June 7 came up for hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice M.Y.Eqbal and Justice T.S.Sivagnanam.Exhibiting text book of class sixth social Science, he said it started with discussing the growth of Tamil Nadu "under the leadership of our Chief Minister Dr.M.Karuananidhi."He also referred to another book of fourth standard which contained a half a page writeup on Chennai Sangamam, an annual cultural show -- a pet project of Karunanidhi?s daughter Kanimozhi who he said was involved in the spectrum scam.He also submitted that "Semmozhi" poem written by Karunanidhi had been printed in the books of all classes."This is not a subject one must learn in school education." When Justice Eqbal observed that Rs 200 crores had been already spent on printing the books, Naveenathakrishnan said it was spent by the previous government for its own glory. "It is no study material. Around Rs 200 was wasted. They have written about themselves and not others. India is a nation of Mahatma Gandhi, but there is nothing about him."Justifying the AIADMK Government?s decision to withdraw the text books, the Advocate General said the question of expenditure was not important. "The future generations in Tamil Nadu is very important."He submitted that younger minds should not be politicised.The present government, after giving thorough consideration, prima facie found that the study materials were inferior.Also, the decisions of the high court had not been followed in letter and spirit. Hence the government amended the act.The AG said the present government had taken right decision by keeping in abeyance the USSE. New books with fresh syllabus would be available on June 15, when the schools are to open after vacation.He contended that there was no illegality and unconstitutionality committed by bringing the amendment. "The government has not abandoned the USSE but will review the system and implement it after receiving fresh report.
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