Pokhara, Feb. 24 :Speaker Taranath Ranabhat has said social and economic development to the desired extent cannot be attained in a country where good quality education is lacking as education is the main basis for development of every country,.

Speaker Ranabhat made this remark at a function organised by the T.U. Employees Association of the Institute of Forestry Science and T.U. Employees Association Pokhara Campus unit to felicitate the elderly employees on the occasion of the 25th National Education Day today.

On the occasion Speaker Ranabhat felicitated the employees extending services for more than 15 years by presenting shawls and certificates to them.

Stating that the education policy implemented for a certain era cannot be suitable for another era, Mr. Ranabhat expressed the view that skilled manpower can be generated for the overall development of the country only through a suitable education policy for the 21st century.

The speaker stressed the need to develop the country by utilising the natural resources and means available in the country.

Member of the Rajparishad Ganesh Bahadur Gurung said the education sector had deviated from its aims and objectives as the teachers and employees associations were involved in politics.

At the function chaired by president of T.U. Employees Association Pokhara Campus unit Basanta Udas, dean of the Institute of Forestry Science Abhaya Kumar Das, educationist George John, editor of Pokhara Patra daily Bishnu Prasad Shrestha, campus chief Maqbul Hussien Khan, Gajendra Dhoj Joshi, Hridesh Kumar Pokherel, Bhola Prasad Dhakal, Bhola Bahadur K.C. And Gyanendra K.S. Also expressed their views on different aspects of the education sector.

Meanwhile, Speaker Ranabhat has said that many children and citizens are still deprived of the opportunity of higher education as a result of the prevailing poverty and backwardness in the country.

Addressing a function organised by Kaski district education committee on the occasion of the 25th National Education Day here today, Mr. Ranabhat said that the need of the day was to pursue the educational policy capable of producing manpower required by the country  and competing with the world in the 21st century.

He called upon the Maoists to give up violence and killings and work to win the hearts of the people peacefully.

Speaker Ranabhat said that poorly managed public schools, which cannot compete with the well-equipped private schools, should be provided with means and resources including training for the teachers.

Mr Ranabhat, at the same function, gave away cash prizes and certificates to the students winning various competitions.

Minister of State for Education Rajendra Kharel expressed the conviction that if the studies of the students was good, the future of the children who will be at the helm of affairs tomorrow will be bright.

Chairman of the Kaski district education committee and Kaski district development committee Punya Prasad Poudel was on the chair.

Students from various schools displayed pt, folk dance, pageants and traditional costumes at the function.