The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that the government has set a target to skill 5 crore people in the 12th Plan under National Skilled Development Scheme.
Laying the foundation stone of the Ghani Khan Chowdhury Institute of Engineering & Technology at Malda district of West Bengal this afternoon Dr. Singh said that for the development of the economy the youth of the county have to be skilled and educated.
He said, enhancing technical resources and industrial infrastructure in North Eastern States and West Bengal are the prime concern of the centre.
The Prime Minister said that the government has increased allocation in education sector from 3.3 percent of the GDP to 4 percent to meet these challenges. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for quality education so that the education system can be made world class.
Speaking on the occasion the UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi highlighted her government's various performances for the welfare of minorities, women and backward classes. She said that the UPA government is committed to introduce modern education in rural areas for the welfare of minorities and backward classes Mrs. Gandhi said that food security and Crime Against Women Bill will be placed in the Parliament soon.
The UPA Chairperson also advocated for strong fight against communality. She said that secularism is our capital and it has to be saved.
Both the leaders recalled contributions of late Congress leader and Union Minister A.B.A Ghani Khan Chowdhury for the socio-economic development of Malda. Dr. Singh said that the institute will fulfil the dream of Ghani Khan Chowdhury for the progress of the region and adjoining areas.
The Human Resource Development Minister, Dr. M.M.Pallam Raju also addressed the gathering. The Union Minister of State for Health Mr. A.H.Khan Choudhary and West Bengal Governor Mr. M.K.Narayanan were also present at the function.
Our Correspondent, Arijit Chakraborty reports that after reaching in Malda Dr. Singh and Mrs. Gandhi paid floral tributes at the grave of late Congress leader at his Kotawali residence.
