Srinagar, 09 Sept (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah in his message on the occasion of International Literacy Day said that education and literacy are the foundations of any civilized, progressive and dignified society.

He said that only an educated society can better understand its rights and responsibilities and while meeting the challenges of a changing world, achieve the goals of progress and prosperity.

Dr Farooq Abdullah said it is highly encouraging and a matter of pride that Jammu and Kashmir, just last week, achieved the target of full literacy by attaining a literacy rate of 98.43 percent under ULLAS–NBSK.

He said this achievement is the result of the collective efforts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, teachers, students and all institutions working towards the promotion of literacy.

"The educational awareness and literacy success we are witnessing today has its foundations in the pioneering efforts of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah decades ago. Today, the light of education kindled by him has spread far and wide and the fruits of his struggle and efforts are visible to all," he said.

He accorded special importance to the establishment of educational institutions and promotion of education in Jammu and Kashmir, recognising education as a fundamental means of social transformation, empowerment and eradication of backwardness.

He said that since its inception, the National Conference has regarded education as a fundamental pillar of social and economic development.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel"The steps taken during the tenure of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to establish educational institutions, create opportunities for the common people and eradicate educational backwardness ushered in a new era of awareness in the society of Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference has always maintained that education should not remain confined to privileged sections of society; rather, every child, including those from poor, middle-class, remote and backward areas must have equal access to quality educational opportunities."

Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the present government, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is also taking several measures to strengthen the education sector and provide better educational opportunities to the younger generation. The government is focused on improving the infrastructure of government educational institutions, enhancing educational facilities, promoting quality education, strengthening skill development and vocational education, and creating better opportunities for students.

The National Conference President also described the passage of the Private Universities Bill during the last Assembly session as an important development in the education sector. He said the legislation would help expand the higher education sector in Jammu and Kashmir, create new educational opportunities, promote healthy competition in education and provide students with greater choices.(KNS)