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March 4, 2005
Universal Literacy, Universal ICTs
Shri Suresh Dada Jain, Mararashtra's Higher Education Minister, spoke during the morning session of the Baramati conference. He talked about the need for spreading literacy "to the total masses of society."
However, literacy is only part of the process of achieving greater development. "Literacy [alone] will not solve the problem," he said. "The problem of poverty can only be transformed through technology use in day-to-day life."
"We are thinking that we will have entire network of education through universities, colleges, right to the primary education level, right to the village level. To have computer education in every primary school, starting in the first standard going all the way up to the seventh standard. [They are] the future citizens of this country, so this is the right place to tackle [the issue]."
"The government of Maharashtra would be happy to use more technology for education... which will ultimately enlighten farmers, help generate income with agriculture, knowledge about agriculture.... We believe all of this through the technology will certainly add value to their lives, and to poverty alleviation in this country."
Posted by acarvin at March 4, 2005 12:46 AM
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