PM announces Bill to accelerate higher education and health

New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said that improvement in the areas of education and health is an important strategy for inclusive growth, and announced that the Central Government would soon bring a Bill in Parliament for constitution of two separate councils in higher education and health to accelerate reforms in these sectors.

"We will soon bring a Bill in Parliament for constitution of two separate councils in higher education and health respectively so that reforms in these two areas can be accelerated," said Dr Singh addressing the nation from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort on the 64th Independence Day.

"We have been giving special attention to education and health in the last six years. It is our endeavour that every child, irrespective of whether he is rich or poor and which section of the society he belongs to, should be given an education that enables him to realize his potential and makes him a responsible citizen of our country," he added.

The Prime Minister further said the children should be taught importance of cleanliness and hygiene in schools from the very beginning under a campaign for a Clean India.

"I appeal to the State Governments, Panchayat Raj Institutions, civil society groups and common citizens to make this campaign successful," he added. (ANI)