Engineering a two-language system

An amalgamation of English and Tamil can produce better-equipped and qualified engineers, and bolster their employability

Mechanical and Civil engineering programmes in Tamil medium were introduced by Anna University over a decade ago. Currently, the College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG) and the university’s constituent colleges offer one or both these programmes. The courses are not popular in other colleges despite 20% reservation in government jobs for the students. In the 1970s, efforts were made to introduce Engineering courses in Tamil, and many textbooks were prepared in the language. However, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) did not permit Engineering courses in Tamil as it had to evolve a national policy on the subject. In a recent survey, however, the AICTE discovered that 42% of the students surveyed nationally, favoured pursuing Engineering in regional languages. The Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench recently reiterated the 20% reservation for Tamil-medium candidates, in every stage of recruitment, in government departments. Demerits