India still fighting with illiteracy and low quality public service, says Vice-president

Although the country has made considerable gains in human development, it still grapples with illiteracy, barriers to secondary schooling, low-quality public service and gender discrimination, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu saidFriday. He was speaking during the platinum jubilee celebrations of Andhra Vidyalaya College of Arts, Science and Commerce here.

The vice-president said there should be renewed focus on gender equality and safety of women through gender sensitisation, and that sensitisation must begin at home, school and college. He said, "Human capital is already the largest component of global wealth and is one of the most crucial and fast growing components of Indias wealth." Naidu said many international agencies, including the World Bank, believe that India has the potential to become the human resource capital of the world.

He said it was time for the country to pursue a more aggressive education plan, exploiting the new technology opportunities including massive open online courses and virtual classrooms to the best possible extent.