New Delhi, Nov 3 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that education is a potent and powerful tool for empowering people to lead a life of dignity and also essential for achieving sustained high economic growth.

Addressing a special convocation of Panjab University in Chandigarh, Manmohan Singh said: "We live in an age where human knowledge is increasing exponentially and countries have to make an effort to remain on the frontiers of knowledge and be counted amongst the advanced nations. Therefore, in the last five years or so the Central Government has made unprecedented efforts for expanding and improving educational facilities at all levels. In fact, I often refer to the Eleventh Five Year Plan as an Education Plan."

On the occasion Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was honoured with the degree of Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa).

"It is not only good in itself, but also a potent and powerful tool for empowering people to lead a life of dignity and self-respect. I am deeply indebted to this great university for whatever I have achieved. I spent some of the best years of my life here. I have no hesitation in saying that the education I received in Panjab University has played a major part in whatever I have achieved in life. It is, therefore, with great humility that I have received today's recognition. It is an honor that I will always cherish," Manmohan Singh said.

He also emphasized the importance of solving salary related issues, which has been a cause of concern in IITs.

"I made a mention earlier of the problem of getting competent faculty in adequate numbers in our new institutions of higher learning. To address this issue, the Central Government has announced a very progressive pay package for attracting and retaining talented faculty. The University Grants Commission has raised the entry level standards for fresh faculty members and has also started new training programmes for them," Manmohan Singh said.

"I also realize that we may need to do more in this area. Let me assure you today that the government will continue to look for ways and means of ensuring that the faculty in our institutions of higher learning is of a very high quality. They will continue to have adequate facilities to discharge their responsibilities in a creditable manner," he added. (ANI)