Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday described education and literacy as the foundations of a progressive and dignified society, while welcoming Jammu and Kashmir’s reported achievement of a 98.43 per cent literacy rate under the ULLAS-NBSK initiative.
In a message marking International Literacy Day, Abdullah said an educated society was better equipped to understand its rights and responsibilities, respond to the challenges of a changing world and contribute to social and economic progress.
He described the reported literacy achievement as a matter of pride for Jammu and Kashmir, attributing it to the collective efforts of people, teachers, students and educational institutions working to expand literacy and learning opportunities.
Abdullah also highlighted the contribution of National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, saying he had laid important foundations for educational awareness in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Abdullah, Sheikh Abdullah placed considerable emphasis on establishing educational institutions and expanding access to education as a means of social transformation, empowerment and overcoming backwardness.
“Since its inception, the National Conference has regarded education as a fundamental pillar of social and economic development,” he said.
He said the initiatives undertaken during Sheikh Abdullah’s tenure to establish educational institutions and broaden access to learning helped usher in a new era of awareness in Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah stressed that education should not remain limited to privileged sections of society and called for equal access to quality education for children from poor and middle-class families, as well as those living in remote and economically backward areas.
He said the government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was taking steps to strengthen the education sector by improving infrastructure in government institutions, enhancing educational facilities, promoting quality education and expanding skill development and vocational education.
The NC president also welcomed the passage of the Private Universities Bill during the last Assembly session, saying the legislation would contribute to the expansion of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the move could create additional opportunities for students, encourage greater competition among institutions and provide young people with a wider choice in pursuing higher education.
