CPM-backed teachers’ organisation, All Bengal Primary Teachers’ Association, on Tuesday celebrated its 75th anniversary. Apart from the chief minister, Vice-Chancellor of the Calcutta University Suranjan Das, were also present.

Addressing a gathering of primary school teachers, Bhattacharjee said: “The present government at the Center has taken positive steps to upgrade knowledge and education.”

In his 20-minute speech, Bhattacharjee avoided criticising the Centre but pointed out some failures of the state in the education sector.

Referring to the Manmohan Singh government’s plans for expansion of higher education, Bhattacharjee said the Centre has set up a knowledge commission, which is very urgent for development of the country.

“Definitely the country will be benefited by this,” said Bhattacharjee. He also referred to the Prime Minister’s initiative to set up one of the most prestigious institution of science and research. “We should be glad that the Union government has approved one such centre of excellence in our state,” said Bhattacharjee.

While elaborating the scenario of the primary education in the state, he said: “This is a great concern for us that at least 7 to 10 lakh children are still out of school. We want mass education so that these children can avail of the education facility.”