By Shafee Ahmed Ko, TwoCircles.net,
Chengam, Thiruvannamalai (Tamilnadu): The Chengam Town Panchayt Government Muslim Urdu School Committee at a function on October 28 gave Rs 1000 each to 64 students at the school. The move is aimed at curbing the dropout of poor girls.
The former director school education Manickam, former head master Akbar, the school present head master Samiulla, Parents Teachers Association president of the school Rafeeque were present in the function.
The Committee had held a meeting last Wednesday. Chaired by former town panchayt chairman Mr. Sadique Basha, the meeting passed resolution to upgrade the present Middle Urdu Girls School to Muslim Girls High School, and to appoint a Tamil teacher.
Chengam had a population of 23,200 (Census 2001) with male and female sharing equal percentage. Chengam has an average literacy rate of 65%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 72% and female literacy of 58%.
Chengam town has roughly 25% Muslim population mostly Urdu speaking. The history of Muslim settlement goes back to Tipu Sultan’s presence in the south and influence of Arcot Nawab’s rule.