Srinagar: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said education and literacy are the foundations of a progressive society, asserting that an educated population is better equipped to understand its rights and responsibilities and meet the challenges of a changing world.
In a message on International Literacy Day, Abdullah welcomed Jammu and Kashmir’s achievement of a 98.43 per cent literacy rate under the ULLAS–NBSK programme, which, according to him, enabled the Union Territory to attain full literacy status.
He described the milestone as the result of the collective efforts of the people, teachers, students and institutions working towards the promotion of literacy across Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah said the region’s educational progress was rooted in the initiatives taken by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who prioritised the establishment of educational institutions and promoted education as a tool for social transformation and empowerment.
He said the National Conference has consistently viewed education as a key driver of social and economic development and has advocated equal access to quality education for children from all sections of society, including those living in remote and economically disadvantaged areas.
Referring to the present administration, Abdullah said the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is taking steps to strengthen the education sector by improving infrastructure in government educational institutions, enhancing educational facilities, promoting quality education, expanding skill development and vocational education, and creating better opportunities for students.
He also described the passage of the Private Universities Bill during the recent Assembly session as a significant development for the education sector, saying it would help expand higher education opportunities, encourage competition among institutions and provide students with a wider range of educational choices.
