The Jharkhand Education Minister Jagarnath Mahto has applied for the admission in class-11 at Devi Mahto Inter College, Nawadih, a government affiliated inter college, in Bokaro district on Monday.
The 53-year-old Mahto is re-starting his education almost after 25 years. He cleared his class 10 in 1995. The minister said that he has been facing criticism, not only from the common people but also from a section of elected members, for his educational qualification ever since he was elevated as HRD minister of Jharkhand.
“Constant criticism inspired to re-start my pending education. Ever since I was made education minister of Jharkhand, a section of people has been aggressive on my educational qualification. Then, I decided to begin my studies again,” the minister said.
A legislator from Dumri assembly constituency in Giridih district, Mahto said, “I will now carry on my education along with the education department.”
HT reported that the minister will pursue Arts stream. About the subjects, he said, “I am a politician. So, the subject of political science will be for sure. I will choose rest of the subjects very soon.”
On how he will strike a balance between the ministry and regular classes, “Let me get the admission, first. I have just applied for admission today. If my application falls under rules, I will get admission. Thereafter, I will think about striking a balance,” he said.
The minister said he had wish for higher education and he was going to fulfill it. When he was asked, if wish to be graduate in future, he replied, “My first target is to clear the intermediate examinations. Then, I will think of it,” he said.
As per the ADR report, out of 81 legislators elected for Jharkhand assembly in past elections, 30 MLAs have declared qualification between eighth and 12th pass, while 49 legislators of having qualifications of graduate and above. One MLA has declared himself to be literate, while one legislator is diploma holder.
