New Delhi: Government proposes to set up a university development commission by bringing in necessary amendments to the University Grant Commission (UGC) Act, President A P J Abdul Kalam said on February 17.

"The UGC, which has completed 50 years, is proposed to be restructured into the university development commission," Kalam said in his address to the joint sitting of Parliament on the opening day of the Budget session.

An idea to this effect was mooted by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee some time ago while addressing a function on UGC completing its 50 years.

Lauding the IIT system for having completed 50 years of distinguished service to the nation, the President said it has earned global acclaim for the quality of its graduates.

While 14 regional engineering colleges have been upgraded as national institutes of technology, the President said special thrust has been provided to address educational needs of minorities.

He said the country's commitment to the universalisation of elementary education was reflected in its move to make free and compulsory education for all children in the age group of six to 14 years a fundamental right.

'Sarva shiksha abhiyan', a national programme to discharge this Constitutional obligation, has been successfully launched with an outlay of nearly Rs 5,500 crore, Kalam said.

PTI