President of India Calls for the Skilling of India’s Large Workforce Through Training and Education

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has called for the skilling of India's large workforce, which accounts for two-third of her population, through proper training and education. He was speaking on the occasion of the closing ceremony of the 150th Anniversary of Metropolitan Institution (Main) today (November 29, 2014) at Kolkata.

The President said the progress of our nation is contingent on the drive, motivation, initiative and energy of our youth. India boasts of the largest population of young people in the world. This demographic dividend can be reaped only througheducation.

The President pointed out that India has the largest secondary education system in the world with total enrolment of over 10.7 crore. Yet, the gross enrolment ratio at the secondary education level is a mere 53 in India as compared to 96 in the US, 94 in South Africa and 89 in Russia and Mexico respectively.

The President pointed outthat more than two lakh meritorious students leave the country for pursuing higher studies in foreign universities and none of our institutions are ranked in the top 200 positions by reputed international surveys. Yet, there was a time between 6th century B.C. and 12th century AD when scholars from around the globe used to flock to Indian seats of higher learning like Nalanda, Takshashila and Vikramshila. The President said standards of education in the country must be improved and education made affordable for meritorious students from all backgrounds. There is also need to create a large pool of good quality and committed teachers who can be entrusted the responsibility of shaping the next generation.

This release issued 1500 hrs.