Quality education focus of New Education Policy: Javadekar

Mumbai, Aug 19 (IANS) Asserting that education is fundamental to bringing social change in society, Human Resources Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said, the government is giving final touches to the New Education Policy, which will lay thrust on quality education for all.

The minister said suggestions on the draft education policy are welcome and a deadline for comments on the draft was extended till September 15 this year.

Speaking at a function organised in Ruia College, Mumbai to facilitate meritorious poor students, Javadekar said that active participation of society was also essential for ensuring education for all.

Javadekar said the education policy should be in sync with contemporary realities and address the aspirations of the new generation.

He called active participation of society essential for ensuring education for all. "You cannot entrust the entire responsibility to government alone," he said.

The minister expressed concern that there were 20 lakh vacancies of teachers at various levels from primary schools to IITs. He urged students to consider teaching as an honourable career option, not confining themselves to engineering and medical fields.

On the occasion Javadekar also handed over financial assistance to meritorious poor students who had scored high marks in SSC examination of Maharashtra Board, fighting against all odds.