Britain to spend $130 mn on health, edcation in UP and Bihar

London, Mar 14 (UNI) Britain will spend 130 million dollars over the nextfive years to help provide primary healthcare and education to the most vulnerable children in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

British Minister for International Development Gareth Thomas said the money will be spent through the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in cooperation with the Indian Government.

However, he said the instalment would be released on the basis of assessment made by his government and UNICEF in consultation with the Indian government.

''Halving global poverty and hunger is one of the key Millennium Development Goals, agreed upon by countries during the UN Summit in 2000,'' Mr Thomas added.

He said he expects the funds to give a significant boost to health and education programmes for the deprived and socially excluded Indian children.

UNI XC AK BST1558