Country of illiterates
New Delhi: Forty per cent of children in the 6-14 age group remained out of school even after four years of the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) and despite a whopping expenditure of Rs. 11,133.57 crore. A performance audit of the SSA by the Comptrollr and Auditor-General of the India for the year ending March 2005 has concluded that the programme could “achieve only partially the target set”. The scheme was launched to enrol all out-of-school children in schools and start education guarantee centres, alternate schools and back-to-school camps by 2003. However, it was extended to March 2005. Still, 40% (1.36 crore) children remained out of school.
(Hindu, Aug 20, 2006).
Health neglected in India
Bangalore: Jeffery D. Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute and Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University, said the Indian Govt. investment in health sector was just 1 per cent in the country. India is condemned to be a leader” on the twin issues of extreme poverty and environment degradation. These are its two big problems, noted economist Jeffrey D Sachs, adviser to the UN Secretary-General and director of Earth Institute, Columbia University. He said: extreme poverty can’ be solved with economic growth due to little trickle down. It will require a role for public sector taking along with it the private sector.
(Deccan Herald, Aug 5, 2006).
Science in India deteriorating
New Delhi: Prime Ministe’s chief scientific advisor Dr. C.N.R. Rao says the health of Indian science is deteriorating while China is making rapid strides. Three decades ago, India used to contribute almost 10% global knowledge. But the share has come down to only 2.7% in 2006. Govt. spending on higher education has gone down to 1.3% of GDP in 2005-06 from 1.58% in 1990-91. While India spnds 0.78% of its GDP on R&D, China spends almost double the amount.
(Deccan Herald, Nov.19, 2006)
Farmers in distress
The Maharashtra Govt.’s findings now show us that over 75% of all farm households in Vidarbha are in distress. The data also show that farm suicides were 25 times higher this year than in 2001. But conscius jugglery works to play down the numbers.
