Uyarvukku Padi Scheme Empowers Students Through Higher Education Access

Tamil Nadu’s Push for Inclusive Higher Education

Uyarvukku Padi Scheme Empowers Students Through Higher Education Access: The Uyarvukku Padi scheme, launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu, has enabled 77,752 students to gain admission into higher education institutions. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to quality education and career opportunities.

The scheme reflects the state’s commitment to social equity in education and aims to bridge the gap between school and college for underprivileged students.

Naan Mudhalvan: Building Skills at Scale

Complementing Uyarvukku Padi is the Naan Mudhalvan skill development initiative, under which over 41.38 lakh students and nearly 1 lakh teachers have been trained. The program focuses on career readiness, offering training in technical, communication, and industry-relevant skills.

Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu has consistently ranked among the top states in Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education, reflecting its strong public education infrastructure.

Kalloori Kanavu: Guiding Students Toward College

The Kalloori Kanavu initiative, launched in 2022, has benefited more than 1.87 lakh students, including 81,149 in the academic year 2025–26. This program provides career counselling, college awareness sessions, and guidance on admission processes, especially targeting students from rural and first-generation learner backgrounds.

Static GK Tip: Tamil Nadu was the first Indian state to implement free bus travel for female students, further supporting access to education.

Infrastructure for Employability

To enhance the employability of engineering graduates, the state has established skill and employment centres in 29 government engineering colleges at a cost of ₹30.17 crore. These centres are designed to provide hands-on training, industry exposure, and placement support to students pursuing technical education.

This infrastructure investment is aligned with the state’s goal of creating a future-ready workforce equipped with both academic knowledge and practical skills.

A Holistic Education Ecosystem

Together, Uyarvukku Padi, Naan Mudhalvan, and Kalloori Kanavu form a comprehensive education and skill development framework. These initiatives not only improve access to higher education but also ensure that students are prepared for the job market through structured training and support.

Tamil Nadu’s model demonstrates how policy-driven interventions can transform the educational landscape and empower youth through inclusive and outcome-oriented programs.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Uyarvukku Padi Scheme Empowers Students Through Higher Education Access: