HRD Ministry gets ECI nod for celebrating 'Education Day'

New Delhi, Nov 5 (UNI) The Election Commission has given clearance to the Union Human Resource Development Ministry for holding an inaugural function to observe November 11, the birthday of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, as 'National Education Day', subject to the condition that no political speeches will be made on the occasion.

The clearance by the Election Commission was needed because no new announcements could be made as the code of conduct has come into force with Asssembly polls in several states to be held this month.

The Ministry has declared November 11 as 'National Education Day' as a tribute to the contribution made to the cause of education by Maulana Azad, a great freedom fighter, an eminent educationist and the first Education Minister of Independent India.

Educational institutions at all levels would be involved in organising seminars, symposia, workshops, rallies on the importance of literacy and the nation's commitment to all aspects of education on the day.

The inaugural function will be held at Vigyan Bhavan at which President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will be the Chief Guest. The function will be presided over by Minister of Human Resource Development Arjun Singh.

A special cover on Maulana Azad will be released by the President as a tribute to the architect of modern education in India. A set of books on Maulana Azad published by National Book Trust of India will also be released on this occasion. The National Book Trust will also organise a photographic exhibition on Maulana Azad on this occasion at Vigyan Bhavan.

The function will be attended by Vice Chancellors of state and central Universities, heads of central educational institutes, eminent educationists and school children.

Similar functions will also be organised in many states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, West Bengal, among others.

The Election Commission has given clearance to this programme subject to the condition that no political speeches will be made on this occasion.

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