44th Meeting of The NDC, The Eighth Five Year Plan 1992-97, Vol. - II

Abstract

From Introduction: It is now universally acknowledged that the goal of Plan efforts is human development of which human resource development is a necessary pre-requisite. Education is the catalytic factor which leads to human resource development which comprises better health and nutrition, improved social economic opportunities and more congenial and beneficial natural environment for all. There is already enough evidence in India to show that high literacy rates, especially high female literacy rates, are associated with low rates of population growth, infant mortality material morality and a higher ate of life expectancy. Although the country has not so far achieved the goals of universalisation of elementary education (UEE) and eradication of adult illiteracy (EAI), the 1991 census results reveal a literacy rate of over 52 per cent, with a higher rate of growth for female literacy. This is highly encouraging and the country can hope to achieve the broader goal of 'Education for AH' (EFA) by 2000 AD, which has incidentally received international recognition at the world conference on EFA held at Jamtien in March, 1990. The commitment of the Government to the National Policy on Education (NPE) announced in 1986, implemented from 1986-87 onwards and reviewed in 1990 has been reaffirmed. On the eve of Eighth Plan, therefore, the country is poised to make a real breakthrough in achieving its long-cherished educational goals as well as in supporting the drive for higher rate of economic growth.