Main challenge is raising education quality: Prakash Javadekar

Union human resources development minister Prakash Javadekar, after taking charge of his ministry on Thursday, said that the prime challenge that the education sector faces in the country is raising the quality of education and ensuring it reaches all. However, his predecessor Smriti Irani, who has been given charge of the textiles ministry, however, did not turn up for the event.

“The major challenge that is there in the education sector is to raise the standard. Quality education is vital as it lays the foundation for life and builds overall personality,” Mr Javadekar said after taking over.

Clarifying on the absence of Ms Irani, he said his predecessor could not join the occasion because of “family reasons”. He had on Tuesday met Ms Irani, whom he had described as his “little sister” and said he would carry on with the “good initiatives” taken by her.

“The aim of education is to lay the foundation for life on the basis of which societies are created. It is the duty of the education sector and we accept this challenge. Our mission will be to ensure quality education reaches all,” he said.

Ms Javadekar, who was flanked by ministers of state for HRD Upendra Kushwaha and Mahen-dra Pandey, said that there are ample opportunities as well as challenges in the sector on which they will work jointly. Asked about controversial remarks about Ms Irani made by a JD(U) leader, he said that it was the “worst comment”.

“I do not want to make a comment on somebody’s remark,” he said.

Ms Javadekar said he would reply to questions on policy matters and others issues after being briefed by officials. The HRD minister also said that he will soon go for a programme in Pune where those who had taught him will be honoured. After taking over, he held a meeting with his ministry officials. Officials said that he spoke on issues including geographic information system mapping of institutes and filling up of faculty vacancies.