"Unfortunately, a considerable part of our public discourse is focussed on short-term problems and on issues pertaining to access to what is presently available. We are not devoting as much attention to questions of growth and development and to the challenge of a multi-fold expansion of opportunities," he said at the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Madras University in Chennai.

"I urge all our political leaders to understand the central importance of education in the development of our country," he said, adding that expansion of opportunities should not compromise on the standards and outcome of education.

Asserting that the focus should be on granting access to quality education to all deserving children, Singh said "India cannot realise its full development potential if the hitherto marginalised sections of society do not become active partners in the process of development. Education must contribute to the achievement of this goal."