Science, maths quality declining in upper primary students: Irani

Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani has expressed concern over the waning quality of mathematics and science among upper primary students and directed ministry officials to collect best practices in teaching to help children in basic understanding of these subjects.

The minister asked officials to identify "best teachers from across the country and disseminate the same for the benefit for one and all".

She also announced that a "Kala Utsav" would be celebrated each year showcasing every state's culture and tradition which would be theme-based.

The theme for the Kala Utsav this year would be "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao", Irani said in a statement.

Irani said the target of completing the construction of separate toilets for boys and girls in schools under the Swachch Vidyalaya Abhiyan has been fully achieved within a year of the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day last year.