No of girls in higher education exceeded boys for first time: President Kovind

In a first, the number of girls admitted to higher education institutes has exceeded that of boys, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Friday.

Addressing a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament, Kovind said, "I am delighted to inform you that for the first time ever in history of the country, number of girls admitted in higher education has exceeded that of boys".

"My government is laying emphasis on schemes aimed at improving quality of education and promoting innovation. More than Rs 37,000 crore has been sanctioned for modernisation of 75 educational institutions in the country through the Higher Education Funding Agency.

"Government has initiated action for appointment of about 7,000 teachers in Kendriya Vidyalayas and 12,000 teachers in higher education institutions. 'Swayam2' has also been introduced by the government to strengthen the online education system," he added.

The president said by setting up the National Medical Commission, the government has reaffirmed its ...