Arjun To Open State Education Ministers' Meet

New Delhi, Apr 9 (UNI) A feedback on a government initiative to serve mid-day meals to upper primary class children is among areas to figure at a conference of State Education Ministers in New Delhi April 10-11, officials said today.

They said the two-day conference by to be inaugurated by Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh would try to maximise progress in education during the XIth Plan in terms of access, equity, quality and efficiency.

Recent initiatives such as extending mid-day meal Scheme to upper primary levels and increasing the central plan outlay for secondary education are areas where the Centre expects feedback from the States, officials said.

An HRD Ministry statement said the meeting will cover all stages-- elementary, secondary, higher and technical-- of education.

The School Education and Literacy Department intends to focus on Universal Elementary Education, improving elementary and secondary school children's achievement levels, steps for States under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

It will also explore ways to bridge the gap between participation and achievement of disadvantaged groups-- girls, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, minorities and the differently-abled.

The Higher Education department will interact with state governments on improving the quality of higher education, especially in state-funded colleges and Universities.

Another area to be covered is setting up polytechnics in districts which have none and strengthening their infrastructure in identified districts; e-networking of higher learning institutions; maximising use of communication technology.

The conference will also discuss authentication of educational certificates and special emphasis on education of minorities and the disadvantaged sections of the society.

Senior HRD and Planning Commission officials and delegates from autonomous agencies will take part.

The General Body meeting of the National Council of Education Research and Training, which comprises Education Ministers from all States, will be held on April 11.

UNI