Guwahati: Jharkhand's human resource development (HRD) minister Jagarnath Mahto applied for admission in Class XI at a government-affiliated inter-college named Devi Mahto Inter College in Nawadih, Bokaro district.
The 53-year-old minister wishes to continue his education 25 years after passing his Class X examination in 1995.
The minister reportedly has been receiving criticism from the general public as well as from a section of elected members for his educational qualification ever since he took over as the HRD minister of Jharkhand.
The minister reportedly said, "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."
Mahto plans to pursue the Arts stream. He said, "I will now carry on my education along with the education department. I am a politician. So, the subject of political science will be for sure. I will choose the rest of the subjects very soon."
On being asked how he will manage work with regular classes, he said, "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."
30 MLAs out of the 81 legislators elected for Jharkhand assembly in past elections have declared qualification between eighth and 12th pass, while 49 legislators have qualifications of graduate and above.
Mahto is the legislator from the Dumri assembly constituency in Giridih district.