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Arjun Singh 
Minister of Human Resource Development Born on 5th of November, 1930 at Churhat, Madhya Pradesh, Shri Arjun Singh is presently the Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India since May, 2004. His political career spanning about 5 decades commenced when he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh in 1954. Subsequently he was elected to the Madhya Pradesh State Legislative Assembly and Indian Parliament a number of occasions as a nominee of the Indian National Congress. He has also held a large number of important positions like Minister of Education, Leader of Opposition and Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh; Governor of Punjab; Minister for Commerce; Communications, and Minister for Human Resource Development in Government of India, Member, Consultative Committee of Ministry of Home Affairs, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on HRD. During his illustrious socio-cultural and political career, he represented India in many International fora. Led the Indian Delegations to France in 1991; to China in 1992; to Geneva in 1992; and has also visited many foreign countries. |
It is indeed timely that the IBE and UNESCO have chosen “Quality education for all young people: challenges, trends and priorities” as the central focus of the 47th Session of the ICE.
The issues of quality have always been some of the major concerns of education policy makers in all societies. However, what is meant by quality education, needs redefinition from time to time and region to region. But in all contexts, at least one meaning remains unchanged: education can be called “quality” when it empowers the students to take on multiple challenges of life. Unfortunately, this objective is often sacrificed at the altar of short term solutions, like the clearing of examinations. Education, as it exists in India provides competencies in curricular matters but does not often prepare them for a career.
Against this backdrop, it would be worthwhile to devote a full Session of this conference to the issues of quality. The issue assumes grater significance as unemployment is on the increase and those lacking a quality education, many of whom come from modest backgrounds and study in government schools, come from modest backgrounds and study in government schools, continue to be placed at a disadvantage.
We rest assured that this Conference will throw up new ideas to aid practical solutions to the challenge of relating education to the changing needs of society around the world.