Educating women necessary for development: President

Bhopal, June 29 (UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today called for educating women through distance education claiming it as necessary for taking the country to heights of development.

Ms Patil, while inaugurating administrative and academic building of the Bhoj Mukt University here, said people residing in remote areas and women can be educated through distance education and brought in the process of development.

''Special emphasis has been laid on higher education in the Eleventh Five Year Plan dedicated to inclusive development so that light of education reaches every home and life of families without resources changed,'' she said.

Ms Patil said certain students can't go to colleges and universities or situations compel them to discontinue education, universities should reach their home. This was possible through distance education.

Pointing out that a lot of development has taken place in the methodology of distance education, she said information, communication and technology has been incorporated in it.

Two-way distance education has become possible through video and radio after 'EDUSAT' satellite was launched with the objective of spreading education.

Stressing on the need for spreading education to backward, rural and remote areas, the President noted that new possibilities for developing network for exchange of knowledge between colleges and distance education has become possible due to EDUSAT.

Observing that only education can prepare sensitive and responsible citizens, she urged students to become useful for society by identifying their abilities and ensuring their contribution.

Ms Patil expressed happiness over inaugurating administrative and academic building of the Bhoj Mukt University, which was established 16 years back in the name of great rule Raja Bhoj.

Madhya Pradesh Governor Balram Jakhar, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state Higher Education Minister Anoop Mishra and Bhoj Mukt Vice-Chancellor Kamlakar Singh were present.

Underlining the importance of education, Dr Jakhar said man was not complete without education. Referring to commercialisation in education, he said some bad people have come into this field but they would not be allowed to be successful.

Mr Chouhan said society had an important role in spread of education. He suggested creating of an independent education commission comprising of educationists.

UNI PKJ-PS 1359