Arjun all ears to children, ignores mediapersons

New Delhi, Apr 25 (UNI) Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh today gave all his attention to children at Bal Bhawan-- ignoring media hounds on his trail.

The occasion was the closing function of the Education for All Week, an annual feature of the Bal Bhavan.

The Minister, who was recently involved in a controversy with the Election Commission over his remarks concerning quota for backwards, sat through children's cultural performances.

As soon as the Minister finished his speech and headed for the exit, he was mobbed by TV crew and reporters-- to no avail.

Mr Singh somehow managed to tear his way through the mob and struggle into his car, leaving the pursuers totally disappointed.

Earlier, Mr Singh in his speech expressed satisfaction over the fact that there was an increase in the number of schoolgoing children after the launch of the Education for All programme.

Stressing the role of the teacher in the programme, he emphasised the need for their proper training.

In this context he highlighted the importance of female teachers, saying they could be instrumental in encouraging the girl child to continue education.

UNI NAZ YA HT2000