Panaji: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has asked all universities and educational institutions to adopt innovative methods to augment their physical infrastructure and their teaching and research capabilities.

Speaking at a special convocation ceremony to confer the D Litt degree (honoris causa) of Goa University to veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar and Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar, Dr. Sing said, "Our universities are in need of a new wave of institutional reform - a reform that will enable them to augment existing talent."

"There has to be openness to lateral entry into teaching and research staff and a willingness to try new pedagogical methodologies and technologies to access teaching materials and databases," he added.

Dr. Singh also announced the outlay on education in the 11th Plan. He said the allocation for education has been increased to 19 per cent from 7.7 per cent.

While discussing the government's initiatives in terms of education he said, "Our government is committed to achieve the millennium development goal of ensuring that all our children complete primary schooling and that we are able to eliminate gender disparities in education at all levels"

Goa Governor and varsity chancellor S C Jamir and Chief Minister Digamber Kamat were also present on the occasion.However, Lata Mangeshkar could not attend the function due to health reasons.