By IANS
New Delhi : The Gujarat government has sought Rs.500 million from the Planning Commission to set up the country’s first Children’s University (CU).
The state government will also create new industrial training institutes (ITIs) to “complement the new Petroleum University” by producing trained personnel in the field of petroleum.
In the state’s detailed proposals submitted to the Planning Commission for 2008-09, the state government has sought Rs.500 million for setting up the Children’s University (CU) to improve the state’s human development index (HDI).
The state proposed to spend Rs.13.49 billion on education during the current fiscal against Rs.10.70 billion in 2007-08.
“The CU will initially be started as the `Bal Gokulam’, and will later be converted into a full-fledged university that will ensure all round development of children through scientific programmes,” a government official told IANS.
“We have planned to open 10 new colleges in the backward area.”
Chief Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday held a meeting with the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia to finalise the state’s annual plan outlay for the current fiscal.
“The university will develop scientific methods for mental and physical development of a child. It will act as the resource centre for training personnel engaged in teaching and other developmental aspects of children,” the official, requesting not to be named, added.
The CU will also explore how the methods of child learning like recreational activities, toys, children’s songs and movies can contribute positively to the development of children.
“The new ITIs will complement the Petroleum University by providing trained manpower in the field of petroleum,” the official said.