Gujarat Govt to set up extra English language classes

Rajkot, Dec 2 (UNI) Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said the Gujarat government has plans to set up extra classes of English language in the state for the younger generation, particularly students, to learn the language in order to cope up with the globe in the changing environment.

Speaking at the 41st convoaction ceremoney, organised by the Saurashtra University here today, after a gap of 27 years, Mr Modi said he wanted to remove the ''stigma'' of poor English speaking Gujaratis, who are popular all over the world. The world has also acknowledged the talent of the Gujaratis.

He said while economics has changed the specturm of the country post-liberalisation and boosted growth and competition thereby changing the Indian economy, the state government would take the services of retired English-speaking experts to train the Gujaratis in 'spoken English'.

The Chief Minister said to boost the Information Technology (IT) in Gujarat, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) amounting over Rs 11,000 crore were signed yesterday at the 'Vibrant Gujarat: IT summit 2006' at Ahmedabad.

Nineteen companies would cumulatively invest over Rs 11,000 crore, he said and added that in the coming years, it would provide employment to more than three lakh people in Gujarat.

He has advised the freshers who have completed their education, to take up the social and economic responsibilities to build strong 'Young India.' Gujarat Governor and Chancellor of the University Naval Kishore Sharma gave away gold medals to studnets, who have stood first in their departments.

At the convocation, 44,245 students from 12 different faculties were given away degrees. Around 900 graduates, post-gratudates and diploma holders remained present at the function.

Saurashtra Unversity Vice Chnacellor Dr Kamlesh Joshipura said efforts were on to recognise the Saurashtra University on world-level and match with the world's best universities. Some initatives had already been taken up.

A seven-member delegation of Saurashtra University (SU) recently visited Australia with the objective to promote the academic links and to explore larger avenues of academic ties with various Australian Universities, he added.

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