Join hands to improve literacy: ZP CEO

Zilla panchayat chief executive officer G Sathyavathi called upon people to join hands to improve the literacy rate in the district to 100 per cent.

She was speaking at a programme on the occasion of International Literacy Day organised jointly by District Lok Shikshan Committee, Taluk Lok Shikshan Committee and JSS Jan Shikshan Institution at Shivarathri Rajendra Bhavan here on Tuesday.

“According to the 2001 census, the district has only 64 per cent literates. However, in the neighbouring state of Kerala, the literacy rate is 100 per cent. In order to achieve this, it is important that teachers, self help groups and parents need to work together to achieve 100 per cent literacy.”

Stressing on educating the girl child, Sathyavathi said, “There is a saying that a literate woman can impart education to the whole family. This is true. First preference should be given to girls.”

Sathyavathi mentioned that she would strive towards solving the problems that are causing a delay in achieving 100 per cent literacy in the district.

Citing her personal example, she said, “I got admission to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi, to continue my post-graduation. Everybody was against me going to Delhi.

They used to ask my father ‘Why do you want to send the girl far away from home?’ But my father insisted that I continue my studies. My father is my inspiration, to reach such a level.”

Rice Foundation director G Achutha Rao said, “Literacy programme is being undertaken by the Central government. Literacy programmes have been taken up in areas where there are less than 50 per cent woman literates.”

“These programmes should be taken up with interest by zilla panchayat and taluk panchayat. Lok Shikshana centres should be opened at the grama panchayat level,” Achutha Rao said.

JSS Mahavidyapeetha’s K Shanthaiah, JSS Jan Shikshana Institution director Channabasappa and others were present.