The Hindu Business Line : Primary education

This is with reference to "Early childhood care and education: First step on the development path" (Business Line, January 6). The article rightly pointed the role of primary education in the development of a nation. Though a sizeable amount is spent on education, it is deplorable that most of it goes to higher education. It is not only the expenditure of more funds but also where the funds are used that makes the difference.

For instance, Kerala spends more money on mass education than colleges and universities. Kerala's emphasis on primary education has lead to a literacy rate of 100 per cent and a low child work participation rate of below 1 per cent. It is to be noted that the Kerala Government has made no special effort to end child labour. It is the expansion of the primary education rather than the enforcement of labour legislation that has reduced child labour.

It is, therefore, essential that the Centre should invest high in primary education and implement the "right to free and compulsory education" effectively.

C. Ramesh,

Keeramangalam (TN)

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