Mr Putin said that a decision had been taken to computerise all school libraries in Russia before the end of the academic year. Relevant federal allocations would contribute 1.5 billion roubles, with a similar sum to come from regional budgets. The President called on teachers to take an active part in modernising education.
Mr Putin said that Russia had always taken pride in education as a national treasure, even more precious than oil, gas and other natural riches. He stressed that the modern world made science and education a productive force and a practical lever of economic progress and affluence. However, Russia was still relying too much on the intellectual resources and personnel inherited from the past. The situation made the teacher’s role more important than ever and it would become even greater in the future.
Mr Putin also spoke about teacher’s wages and reforming school curricula.