India's future lies in quality education: Arun Jaitley

Amritsar, Jul 14: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today emphasized on the need for quality education in the country, saying that an education system must enable students to face the challenges of competitive world.

"The future of the country lies in quality education. It is must to enable students to compete in the emerging competitive world," Jaitley said while addressing the 108th Annual Convocation of the historic Khalsa College here.

Jaitley, who unsuccessfully contested 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Amritsar, said that after agriculture, industry, the focus should now be on equipping students with 'soft competency' skills.

"There is a world's largest transport company which does not own even a single vehicle. There are biggest online companies which do not have a single store. In the coming times, the services of banks and stores will be available through online only," he said.

"Our education system must focus on the future needs of the country and how we can make it join the community of the developed nations," said Union Finance Minister.

Touching upon the issues related to Punjab, Jaitley said that the border state had faced numerous challenges and the Centre was aware of its peculiar problems including the need for more infrastructure and industrial growth.

"The Centre is committed to overcome the state's problems," he said.

During the convocation, Jaitley gave the post graduate degrees to 226 students and gold medals to other 50 students of the college.

He appreciated Khalsa College's contribution to the society by imparting quality education. Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal were also present on the occasion.

PTI