Compulsory Primary Education

AT Wednesday’s meeting of the Bombay Legislative Council the Hon’ble Mr. V.J. Patel moved a resolution recommending that an early beginning should be made in the direction of making elementary education free and compulsory throughout the presidency by introducing it in municipal districts. He also asked for the appointment of a mixed committee of officials and non-officials to frame proposals. Mr. Patel said at present if necessary the girls might be excluded from the compulsory scheme. He calculated the cost to be an extra Rs. 5 lakhs, but even if it exceeds that the province is certainly able to find the additional money especially as the measure is intended to be applied after the war. One good reason urged in this connection is that a British province should not be behind some Native States as Baroda.