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Union Minister of Education and senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the remarkable progress in India’s literacy rate over the past decade. India's rural literacy rate has significantly increased to 77.5% in 2023-24, driven by a surge in female literacy.

"Under Congress, the education system was in ruins. Students were forced to search endlessly for quality education, while corruption ruled the education department and the country’s top institutions remained controlled by the privileged elite. In stark contrast, under PM Modi’s leadership, this vicious cycle has been shattered. Rural literacy has surged from 67.77% in 2011 to an impressive 77.5% in 2023-24, while female literacy has spiked from 57.93% to 74.6%. This is the kind of transformation we’ve witnessed," Pradhan stated, adding that PM Modi's reforms were the key to this remarkable turnaround.

He further highlighted that PM Modi’s efforts had made education more inclusive and accessible, not just in urban areas but also in the most remote corners of the country."In the 21st century, India’s rise is incomplete without education. PM Modi is ensuring that no one is left behind. His reforms are pushing India towards a future where education knows no bounds," he emphasized.

Pradhan lashed out at Congress for leaving India with a paltry 7 AIIMS in 70 years. "Today, under PM Modi, India boasts 23 AIIMS, with more than 700 medical colleges, over 50,000 colleges, and a staggering increase in the number of MBBS and IIT seats. These numbers speak volumes about the transformative reforms that have reshaped India’s educational landscape," he said.

In this context, he praised the role of technology and innovation in the educational reforms. He said, “Earlier, the education situation in remote areas was dire. The Congress government left them to fend for themselves. However, under Prime Minister Modi’s visionary leadership, initiatives like Digital India Mission, New Education Policy, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana, PM SHRI Yojana, Vidyalakshmi Yojana, and ULLAS Yojana have given education and skill development a new high.”

“When we talk about the ‘Digital India Mission,’ which started in 2015, it has promoted digital education from schools to universities. Several initiatives have been implemented to enhance digital infrastructure, internet connectivity, and e-learning platforms across the country. Meanwhile, the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme is not only promoting gender equality in education but has also significantly improved the national sex ratio at birth. On the other hand, the ‘New Education Policy’ under PM Modi's guidance ensures the holistic development of students,” Pradhan added.

He also specifically highlighted the ULLAS program, stating, “This is a unique initiative that provides an opportunity for adults aged 15 years and above, who were deprived of formal education, to complete their studies. The financial allocation for this program is over ₹1,037 crore, and more than 2 crore learners have already joined. In short, Prime Minister Modi’s initiative has completely transformed the definition of adult education.”

“This year the budget also announced a PM Internship programme for children – so PM Modi is thinking not only about education or skilling but about employability too. Through his innumerable reformative efforts in the education sector, Prime Minister Modi has laid a strong foundation for a prosperous and knowledge-driven future. As we move forward with the resolution of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, these educational reforms provide us with renewed energy. We must continue to progress with this pride,” he concluded.