Literacy rate reaches 55 pc in JK

Srinagar, May 15: The literacy rate in Jammu and Kashmir, which was just 10 per cent at the time of partition in 1947, has now reached 55 per cent.

''Jammu and Kashmir has attained enviable literacy rate of 55 per cent compared to 10 per cent in 1947,'' Governor Lt General (Retd) S K Sinha said.
This tempo has to be maintained and further geared up to achieve total literacy in the State, he added. General Sinha said that Jammu and Kashmir is poised for a big stride in the extension of higher and technical education with impetus on job oriented courses.

''With 8 varsities for a population of 10 million, the educational scenario is favourable and needs to be sustained and taken to pinnacles of excellence of international standards,'' the Governor said while addressing the students, staff, faculty and Board of Directors of Islamic University of Science and Technology at Awantipura in Pulwama district this morning.

The Governor was impressed with the progress registered by the University in its two years of inception and hoped that it will grow as an institute of excellence to meet the requirements of the youth.

He was happy to note that 30 per cent students comprised girls and emphasized the importance of female education.

UNI