No dearth of funds for promotion of Urdu: Delhi CM

New Delhi, Jan 17 (UNI) There would be no dearth of funds for promotion of Urdu as the language is associated with composite culture of Delhi, said Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today.

Inaugurating a day-long convention of Urdu medium schools of seven northern states in Jamia Millia Islamia here, she said her government has been providing help in promotion of Urdu and given it the status of second language.

''Urdu is being liked by a large number of people though some are not able to read and write the language but really loved it as this has been nurtured in our country.'' Ms Dikshit said part time Urdu teachers have been appointed and their remuneration enhanced. ''They are also being exhorted to earn by taking up translation work to supplement their income.'' she added.

The Chief Minister said the Urdu Academy in Delhi has been rendering substantial contribution and commended its functioning.

She also stressed the need of imparting modern education in 'madrasas' apart from traditional education.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development M A A Fatmi stressed the need for linking the Urdu language with profession and employment.

He appreciated the role of Jamia Millia Islamia in promoting the Urdu language.

The Academy of Professional Development of Urdu medium teachers, Jamia Millia Islamia, had organised the convention.

More than 200 teachers and scholars from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh besides Jammu and Kashmir, a state which has Urdu as its official language, took part in the convention.

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