New education policy to be formed with states: Irani

Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani on Monday said the new education policy will be formulated in consultation with the states.

Replying to a debate on the demands of grants of her ministry in the Lok Sabha, Irani said the education policy was earlier formulated on the basis of advice of a select few people.

"We should go the blocks, to the districts, talk to states, make the new education policy through mutual consultations," she said.

Stating that Congress members had expressed apprehension about saffornisation of education, Irani said: "Education will be given within the parameters of the constitution."

Irani said the government was also paying attention to teachers' training and Rs.900 crore has been allocated under the Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching.

She urged the MPs to monitor progress in construction of toilets in schools in their constituencies.

Taking a dig at Irani, Trinamool Congress member Sugata Roy said the minister has given a "combative and aggressive reply" and "this must have been due to pressure she is facing within her own party."