GOPIO seeks NRI/PIO help in spread of education in India

New Delhi, Jan 7 (UNI) A two-day annual conference of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) concluded here today with a call to NRIs and PIOs to help in spreading education among the rural masses in the country.

Several demands, including seats in Parliament and voting rights, were put forth at the Conference titled ''Education for the Masses in India: Role of NRIs/PIOs.'' Addressing the conference, GOPIO Chairman Thomas Abraham laid special emphasis on changing the education system in order to get better results in rural areas of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Uttar Pradesh Social Welfare Department Commissioner Rakesh K Mittal said education and healthcare were the most important aspects of social infrastructure.

Of these, education has an edge over the healthcare, he said, adding THAT the importance of educating people was self-evident.

A concern among the overseas Indians over the issue was well understood, Mr Mittal said.

Talking to UNI, Shillong Business Chamber Director Ike Sinha said nobody wanted to know the ground reality and keep on talking about education for the masses.

''If they are not able to provide help at the grassroots level, then talking about spread of education among the rural masses is merely a tool to get media attention,'' he added.

UNI XC SB DB2050