New Delhi: With female education not
picking up, the government on Friday said it intends to give more
focus on women literacy through a national mission.
"Female literacy rate was not up to the mark," Minister
for Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik said at a
function here.
Referring to the National Literacy Mission (NLM) launched
by the government, he said though literacy rate has improved
in the country, female education was still lagging behind.
"The government will, therefore, now run the NLM as
National Women Literacy Mission," he said addressing a
gathering of meritorious students belonging to scheduled caste
category.
Around 270 students from 17 states were conferred with
Dr Ambedkar National Merit Awards for performing well in the
class XIIth examination conducted by state education boards
and councils in 2008.
Students securing highest, second highest and third
highest marks were given Rs 60,000, Rs 60,000 and Rs 40,000
respectively and a certificate.
The awards are given by Ambedkar Foundation, a body which
is affiliated to the Ministry.
Bureau Report
