New Delhi: The Central Government has decided to observe 11th November, every year as the 'National Education Day' without declaring it as a holiday.

The decision has come in the wake of consistent demands from several state governments and various sections of the society to observe 11th November, the birthday of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a great freedom fighter, an eminent Educationist and the first Union Minister of Education, as the National Education Day in a befitting manner.

"The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has decided to commemorate the birthday of this great freedom fighter of India by recalling his contribution to the cause of education in India", a Government official said.

Educational institutions at all levels would be involved in organizing seminars, symposia, essay-writing, elocution competitions, workshops and rallies with banners, cards and slogans on the importance of literacy and nation's commitment to all aspects of education.

The focus of activities on the 'National Education Day' would be on the various initiatives taken in Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), in setting up of model schools in secondary education, on initiatives taken in higher secondary education, vocational education and higher education sectors by the Central Government on its own, as well as through Private-Public Partnership.

These initiatives would be projected in association with various industry bodies, whose fullest cooperation also would be sought in the development of human resources in the country.