M A I N   N E W S

Advisory board divided on Elementary Education Bill

New Delhi, July 14
The Central Advisory Board on Education (CABE), which met here today, could not arrive at a consensus on the proposed Elementary Education (Free and Compulsory) Bill while there was unanimity among members on the ‘’desirability’’ of the universalisation of secondary education.

‘’Active debate was held on the bill. It is a priority of the government to place the bill in Parliament as soon as possible. But after the deliberations it was felt that we may not be able to formalise the bill now as more inputs are required to be taken before it could be crystalised,’’ Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh told reporters after the conclusion of the first day of discussion.

He, however, clarified that both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi want that the bill be formalised as soon as possible. He said the Common Minimum Programme of the government wants to bring about universal access, equality, social justice, relevant and development in the education sector. — UNI