New Delhi: The prime challenge that the education sector faces in the country is raising the quality of education and ensuring it reaches all, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, who took charge, said on Thursday.
His predecessor Smriti Irani, who has been given the charge of Textiles Ministry, however, did not turn up for the event.
Javadekar said she could not join the occasion because of "family reasons". He had met Irani on Wednesday, whom he had described as his "little sister" and said he would carry on with the "good initiatives" taken by her.
I & my colleagues @upendrarlsp, @DrMNPandeyMP in @HRDMinistry will work as Team HRD to fulfill aspirations of nation pic.twitter.com/XgzKMEOea0
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) July 7, 2016
"The major challenge that is there in the education sector is to raise the standard. Quality education is vital as it lays the foundation for life and builds overall personality," he told reporters after taking over.
The sole purpose of education is not just employment which is a "by-product", he said.
"The aim of education is to lay the foundation for life on the basis of which societies are created. It is the duty of the education sector and we accept this challenge. Our mission will be to ensure quality education reaches all," he said.
Read: I am a product of student agitation, dialogue key to avoid stir: Javadekar
Javadekar, who was flanked by Ministers of State for HRD Upendra Kushwaha and Mahendra Pandey, said that there are ample opportunities as well as challenges in the sector on which they will work jointly.
Asked about certain controversial remarks about Irani reportedly made by a JD(U) leader, he said that it was the "worst comment". "I do not want to make a comment on somebody's remark," he said.
Javadekar said he would reply to questions on policy matters and others issues after being briefed by officials.
