Manmohan Singh says government committed to giving education to all children - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, today said the government is committed to giving all children, irrespective of gender and social categorization, access to education. Addressing the nation on the Right to Education Act that come into force today, Dr. Singh said: "The Government is committed to ensuring that all children irrespective of gender and social category, have access to education and, fund constraints would not be allowed to hamper implementation of the Right to Education Act." "To realise the Right to Education, the Government at the Centre, in the States and Union Territories, and at the district and village level, must work together as part of a common national endeavour. I call upon all the State Governments to join in this national effort with full resolve and determination," he added. "Our government, in partnership with the State governments, will ensure that financial constraints do not hamper the implementation of the Right to Education Act," he said. Emphasizing that education is the key to progress and empowers the individual, Dr. Singh said that it enables them to acquire the skills, knowledge, values and attitudes necessary to become responsible and active citizens of India. He said the Government is of the firm belief that India's future as a strong and prosperous country will be secure if young people are nurtured with right education. Dr. Singh said India is a nation of young people and their health, education and creative abilities, will determine the well being and strength of the nation. He also said Dalits, the minorities and girls would be the focus of the effort to provide education to all. Looking back at his own life, Dr. Singh said he came from a family of modest means. He had to walk a long way to school and studied under a kerosene lamp. ''Today, What I am, I am because of education. So, I want that the light of education should reach to all,'' he added.