Will work to ensure India emerges as an education hub: Smriti Irani

Speaking at a function in Pune, the HRD minister also said that she would soon be introducing changes that would make her ministry more transparent. Devidas Deshpande reports. 

In one of her first public appearances after becoming the Human Resources Development Minister, Smriti Irani promised to make her ministry more transparent and taking the views put forth by student bodies into consideration when it came to educational institutions. 

In Pune on Sunday to attend a program at the SymbiosisInternationalUniversity, Irani said, “The ministry of Human Resources Development will be open to the public soon. The ministry will have its own website, which will not only allow students and academicians, but all other too to go online and search for information and provide tips to improve the educational system. Suggestions on courses and faculties will be welcomed too.”

Hinting that she may be taking steps to free up the system, the HRD minister added, “I am going to make an announcement soon about deregulation. This move will facilitate several institutions to cater to a growing demand for education. Those who know me are aware that I keep my word.”

While at the function, Irani was praised for being the first female HRD minister. However, brushing aside this praise, she said, “I do see the ministry of Human Resources Development through the prism of gender. I see it through the prism of capabilities. I will work hard to ensure that India once again emerges as an education hub.”

Earlier, Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, S B Mujumdar said that India is passing through a critical period which is the period of demographic dividend. “This period lasts only for 20 to 30 years and that is why we have to provide more focused education to the youth, who form one-third of the country’ population. Right education is as important as Right to Education,” he quipped.