Smriti Irani, the central HRD Minister had a special meeting with Ms. Irina Bokova, UNESCO's Director General. This was a part of the 3 day itinerary of Ms. Bokova's tour to India.
Over the course of the meeting, the minister underlined India's glowing achievements in the 'Education for All' program and the other new measures being taken to reform the education policy in the country. Some of the initiatives listed by her included 'Beti Bachao "“ Beti padhao', introduction of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), SWAYAM, enhancing quality of education, focus on skill development, focus on girls' education and the Unnat Bharat program. She expressed her desire to deepen India's co-operation with the UNESCO in all the concerned areas. She also expressed thanks to Ms. Bolova for her efforts behind relocating Shri Aurobindo's statute in Paris premise of UNESCO. Ms. Bolova, during her speech, said that India's increased efforts towards issues such as inclusive education and skill development are appreciable. She also praised Government's efforts behind the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' and hoped to see a long term change in the country as a result of this program.