Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 21:
Education Minister Francis Ngajokpa has categorically stated that the State government has no paucity of fund to ensure compulsory education, particularly the girl child.
Speaking as chief guest at the rice distribution programme to elderly persons under the Anna Purna Scheme at Senapati District mini Stadium today, Francis said implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan with the objective of ensuring free education to all children is a significant policy to eliminate illiteracy.
Conveying to all the Zonal Education Officers to collect books reserved for distribution to children studying at Government schools, he said necessary instructions had been issued to Board of Secondary Education, Manipur officials to stock-pile requisite books.
Informing that Rs 1 crore had been released recently to print/procure text books meant for distribution free of cost under the SSA scheme, the Minister reiterated that shortage of funds would in no way impede implementation of the ambitious project.
Elaborating on the Anna Purna scheme, he said the cent percent Central Government sponsored programme envisages providing nutritious food to the elderly and destitute persons while urging the State Food and Civil Supplies officials to dispense their duties sincerely.
President of Naga People�s Organisation, Senapati M Dilli attended the rice distribution function as guest of honour.
The distribution carried out under the 2002-03 Anna Purna scheme today totalled 574.35 quintal with 479 aged persons benefiting from the scheme.