ISLAMABAD, Sept 25: The secretary education, Mr Tariq Farook, has disclosed that some 270,000 literacy centres will be established in the country under the government’s literacy programme to educate common man.

The secretary was speaking at the national award distribution ceremony for the students and teachers of primary and middle schools.

He said the government had chalked out a comprehensive plan to enhance literacy rate in the country. Under the plan some 30,000 non-formal schools will be set up in the country.

Mr Farook said the literacy rate had increased to 50 per cent, which was 45 per cent in 1998.

“Government will expedite its efforts to achieve the desired results and bring the literacy rate by 100 per cent in the near future.”

The secretary education said the government wanted to impart education to students on modern and scientific lines so that they could meet the challenges of the new eras.

“No country can survive in the world without literacy,” he said.

He stressed the need for the participation of private sector in the enhancement of literacy rate by establishing good standard educational institutions.

Mr Farook urged the students to equip themselves with the latest knowledge and education so that they could compete other developed nations.

The secretary education urged the teachers to become more committed and dedicated and pay extra ordinary attention on weak students.

He assured the teachers that the government was taking all necessary steps for the betterment of teachers and resolution of their problems.

“Government will provide excellence allowances to the teachers for their good performance,” Mr Farook said. Later, some 112 prominent students and teachers were given national education awards for their commendable performance.

Among all the teachers and students from various parts of the country, Mrs Shagufta, was the only teacher from Islamabad who achieved the award.