Province 1 declared literate

Biratnagar, Sept 8: Province 1 has been declared a 'literate province'. Province Speaker Pradeep Kumar Bhandari made this announcement amidst a programme organised by the Ministry of Social Development here today.     

The Province was declared literate based on UNESCO's 12 criteria for literacy assessment.     

It reports a 96.74 per cent of literacy rate among people aged 15-60 at 137 local levels of its 14 districts.     

On the occasion, the Speaker urged one and all to contribute from their respective quarters to bring literacy and economic transformation to the Province.     

Social Development Minister Rajan Rai said vocational, quality and applied education was needed for the prosperity of the nation.     

Health Minister Jayaram Yadav urged students to remain dedicated to the cause of the nation and the mother tongue while Water Supplies, Irrigation and Energy Minister Ram Kumar Rai insisted on the promotion of practical education and Minister of State for Social Development Bishnu Tumbahamphe said the government had support from various sectors to announce the Province literature.     

Social Development Committee president Sarita Thapa Khadka, Biratnagar metropolis deputy mayor Shilpa Nirala Karki, Province chief secretary Binod Prakas Singh, secretary Dirgharaj Mainali and District Coordination Committee, Panchthar's Ramraj Aangdembe among others described education as the base for nation's prosperity and advised the government to make technical education widely accessible and affordable to produce human resources required for the nation.     

Prior to this, a morning rally was organised with the participation of ministers, the chief secretary, Chief District Officer of Morang, Kashiraj Dahal, civil servants, security personnel and students.  (RSS)