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PM declares 2010 as Literacy Year

Posted on: Fri May 21, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday declared the year 2010 as the National Literacy Year for execution of the national literacy plan that helps to create a conducive environment for achieving Education For All (EFA) goals and provide a road map for institutionalising the same.

Chairing a meeting to review plan of action for National Literacy Year at the Prime Minister s House, Gilani said the education is one of the 5 Es of the Pakistan People s Party manifesto, on which the people of Pakistan have reposed their confidence, and it is therefore a priority of the government.

The prime minister has constituted a Steering Committee under the chairmanship of advisor to PM on education for the observance of National Literacy Year 2010 and to create mass awareness among the people of Pakistan, regarding literacy.

To achieve the EFA goals, one of the key pledges of the governments, organizations, agencies, groups and associations represented at the World Education Forum in Dakar was: Mobilise strong and international political commitment for education for all, develop national action plan and enhance significantly, investment in basic education.

The prime minister said the declaration of National Literacy Year 2010 is a great opportunity to mobilise the nation. The illiterate population is the cause of extremism and intolerance in our society and special measures are needed to address this challenge, he added.

Gilani urged the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) to establish 2,00000 adult literacy centres each year till 2015, with increased net enrolment from 70% to 90% and also take effective measures to reduce dropout in primary education.

The prime minister said that to achieve the EFA goals and UPE (Universal Primary Education) in Pakistan, strong political will is required. He called for passage of resolutions in support of literacy by the federal and provincial assemblies. Since in the 18th Amendment, primary education has been declared a fundamental right, he said.

The prime minister emphasized on the need of establishment of the National Literacy Fund and allocation of adequate budget for education and literacy as committed in National Education Policy 2009.

He also announced the formation of National Literacy Council to be chaired by the prime minister to review the implementation status of the plan of action. The prime minister urged the Ministry of Education and NCHD for effective utilization of electronic and print media for mass mobilization and to run effective awareness campaigns in all parts of the country.

The prime minister approved Rs60 million for the NCHD for the implementation of plan of action. He also advised the chairperson NCHD, to ensure speedy implementation of the plan of action.

Earlier, Ms Nafeesa Shah, Chairperson NCHD briefed the meeting about the plan of action for National Literacy Year 2010.The meeting was also attended by Sardar Asif Ahmad Ali, Advisor to Prime Minister on Education, and other high officials.

Courtesy : The News