Prepare action plan for integrated development of Indian languages: HRD minister asks officials

HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' Tuesday directed ministry officials to prepare an action plan on developing various Indian languages in an integrated manner.

During a review meeting with senior ministry officials, Pokhriyal also highlighted the importance of quality education and the need to create as many vocational courses as possible in order to push the youth into the employment stream without delay, an official statement said.

He also advised the officers to set up a definite target of employment generation through such courses and to customise them region-wise by providing proper linkages with industry and trade, plus other employment opportunities available in that particular region.

The skill and education should be given as per the aptitude which should be identified at an early stage, the statement said, adding the minister was briefed about the new vocational courses designed by the Ministry to cater the industry requirements.

He asked the officers to prepare an action plan on developing various Indian languages across the country in an integrated manner.

"We should also try to do further research in the wealth of knowledge hidden in our ancient texts and integrate them with modern day science," the minister said.

He directed that the foundation stone of the six IIMs, which are in pipeline, should be laid at the earliest.

Commenting on Study in India programme, the HRD Minister said India-centric courses should be started to attract foreign students.

"Branding of these courses should be undertaken, for example in the field of yoga, spirituality, Ayurveda among others since these are specific to India and have a great potential," he said.

Secretary Higher Education R Subrahmanyam and the other senior officers also gave presentations on skills generation, employment through vocational education, working of IIMs and setting up of new ones, Study in India programme, and international cooperation in the field of education and review of working of language councils, the statement said.