Source: The Sangai Express
Tamenglong, September 08, 2009:
The International Literacy Day was observed today at JN Dance Academy under the aegis of the Directorate of Adult Education and State Literacy Authority.
The observance was graced by Chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board E Dwijamani, Commissioner (Adult Education) KK Chhetry and retired Station Director, AIR Kohima B Jayantakumar as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, Addl Director, Adult Education S Saratkumar said that the United Nations, taking due note of the disadvantages of illiteracy, took up the issue in 1961 for the first.
The Govt of India launched a literacy campaign under the National Literacy Mission Authority in 1988.Under this national body, the Manipur State Literacy Mission Authority was established followed by district level literacy societies.
After this a 'total literacy campaign' was launched in the state, Saratkumar said.
As per the census report of 2001, male literacy rate of the state was 75 percent whereas the female literacy was 54 percent.
According to the national census report of the same year, there are 60 million illiterate women in India.
Such high rate of illiteracy has been one major factor for lack of progress in such sectors like school education, health, nutrition, skill development, women empowerment etc.
Taking grim note these failures, the National Literacy Mission has been re-launched by the President of India in 365 districts of the country after re-inventing it as the National Mission for Literacy of Women.
The re-invented mission will cover Thoubal, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong districts of Manipur, Saratkumar said.
E Dwijamani stressed on the paramountcy of education for human development progress.
KK Chhetry observed that the adult education programme launched several years back is yet to reach the desired target.
This was mainly due to lack of responsibility and accountability on the part of the Govt, he noted.
On the occasion, five officials of Adult Education Department who have been working in the field of adult education were felicitated for their dedication.