Centre should ensure 'universal education' under SSA: Minister

Hyderabad, Oct 20 (UNI) Stating that the Centre was committed to ensure 'universal education' under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development (HRD) D Purandeswari today said primary schools would be set up in every one km radius in the country.

Inaugurating the 'Social Responsibility Conclave', organised by the students of the Net Impact club at Indian School Business (ISB) here, Ms Purandeswari stressed on the importance of education for the girl child. ''It is necessary to bring girls into mainstream education.'' ''Issues such as child labour and domestic labour are keeping children away from schools and the SSA is trying to bring education to these children with initiatives such as summer camps and bridge courses,'' she added.

''The 21st century, being a century of knowledge, world is looking at China and India as great economic powers. Education did not remain a goal by itself. Applying new ideas and technology to education will help it in creating a key,'' the Minister said in a press release.

Azim Premji Foundation CEO Dileep Ranjerkar said that teachers should play a more active role in the education system. Teachers must do their best to get the potential out of the students.

''There is lot of confusion between what is taught in schools today and what really happens in the world outside,'' he added.

UNI