Uttarakhand has been conferred the ‘Bharat Nirman Award’ for its outstanding performance in the field of education and health over the last seven years. The State also received this award for its endeavour to provide shelter to the underprivileged. The award was presented to Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee at 7th State of the States Conclave hosted by India Today Group in the national capital on September 14.
Receiving the award Dr Nishank laid emphasis on the nationalisation of education and said that the need was to chalk out a single education policy for the entire country. He said the syllabus should teach not only the culture and history of the country, but also respect for the nation. He also advocated enhancing the quality of teachers. “Private educational institutions are welcome provided they take up education as a mission,” he said. Dr Nishank said Hindi ought to be given due importance and work done towards its development.
Dr Nishank said the Central Government should also take in consideration the mobile population that visited the state in large number and used the infrastructure, while providing funds to the state. He pointed out that about five to six crore tourists and pilgrims visit the state every year. The Chief Minister said the green revolution should be extended to the arid areas.
Present on the occasion were Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, Chief Minister of Delhi Sheila Dikshit, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling and Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamath.
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