By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Guwahati: Expressing shock at the poor literacy rate of the Muslims in the north-eastern states, the International Education Convention organized by American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) in Guwahati has appealed the respective state governments of the country to give stress towards the marginalized section of the society so that 100 per cent literacy can be attained.
On the concluding day of the two-day convention it has decided to urge to all the stake holders of the society for better coordination to develop socio-economic and educational scenario sharing each other’s resource, knowledge and experience.
Union Minority Affairs Minister K Rahman Khan (3rd from left), Assam education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (Centre) and AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal (2nd from right) unveiling a souvenir during the occasion.
“We are shocked at the low literacy rate among the Muslims of northeast region and especially among the women. This is matter of concern. We hope the state government will take appropriate measures to better the scenario,” one of the resolutions read.
Union minister for minority affairs K Rahman Khan who was also present has urged the people of minority community to think positively and work. He also slammed Assam government for failing to implement the funds of Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP).
“Muslims are not minority but the second largest community of the country. They should think positively and work accordingly. Then I think the community can develop. Not just in Assam but in most of the states in the country have failed to implement the funds properly. I wish these funds should utilize properly,” Khan said.
He, however, expressed concern at the plight of Muslims in Assam. “We tend to depend on others and government that somebody will come and help us. But we should take the initiatives by ourselves. At this age, there are various means like RTI which can be very much helpful in acquiring one’s rights,” he added.
Earlier, altogether 133 meritorious students were felicitated with various awards from across the country. There were six students from Assam as well.
The convention was inaugurated by Tripura governor Devanand Konwar at Pragjyoti ITA Centre, Machkhowa in Guwahati on Saturday. Devanand Konwar appreciated the initiative taken by AFMI. “These awards will definitely encourage the students. I think more such initiatives should be taken for the uplift of the downtrodden in the society,” he said.