Was misconstrued on Yale University degree: Irani

Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani Monday said  her statement on the degree from Yale University in the United States was "misconstrued".

"Unfortunate that statement of my participation in a leadership programme and certificate thereafter was misconstrued," Irani said in a tweet.

Speaking at the India Today Woman Summit 2014, Saturday, Irani said: "In that kitty of mine where people call me 'anpad' (illiterate), I do have a degree from the Yale University as well which I can bring out and show how Yale celebrated my leadership capacities."

However, an official from the Yale University told IANS it was a "certificate" and not a "degree" programme.

The official confirmed Irani was part of the seventh edition of "India Yale Parliamentary Leadership Programme", held June 19-27, 2013.

About 70 parliamentarians have received such certificates.

A total of 11 Indian members of parliament went to the campus in New Haven, Connecticut to complete a six-day leadership programme with the Yale faculty.

Irani was involved in a controversy over her educational qualifications after becoming human resource development minister when it emerged she made contradictory declarations in her election affidavits.