By IANS,
Jammu : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has hoped Jammu and Kashmir will emerge as a knowledge economy hub with the establishment of new higher educational institutions in the state.
During his two-day visit to the state, Singh met Jammu University Vice Chancellor Amitabh Mattoo Friday evening.
“The prime minister assured that the central government will provide full support to the state government in its endeavour to increase the accessibility and quality of education to build the capabilities of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” said a press release of Jammu University issued Saturday afternoon.
“The prime minister expressed hope that through interventions in higher education and establishment of new institutions and universities, Jammu and Kashmir shall emerge into knowledge economy,” the release said.
The vice chancellor briefed Manmohan Singh about the education and socio-economic scenario in Jammu and Kashmir and plans to promote knowledge creation through higher education and its application in various sectors ranging from agriculture to tourism.
Manmohan Singh had a first hand account of the events in Afghanistan from Mattoo, who recently visited the conflict-torn country and met among others Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Karzai had asked Indian universities to set up branches in Afghanistan, Mattoo told the prime minister.
Mattoo, an expert on international affairs, spoke of the need for cooperation with neighbouring countries in educational sectors, particularly with Afghanistan and Pakistan.