<p>Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani Monday said her statement on the degree from Yale University in the United States was "misconstrued".<br /><br /></p>.<p>"Unfortunate that statement of my participation in a leadership programme and certificate thereafter was misconstrued," Irani said in a tweet.<br /><br />Speaking at the India Today Woman Summit 2014, Saturday, Irani said: "In that kitty of mine where people call me 'anpad' (illiterate), I do have a degree from the Yale University as well which I can bring out and show how Yale celebrated my leadership capacities."<br /><br />However, an official from the Yale University told IANS it was a "certificate" and not a "degree" programme.<br /><br />The official confirmed Irani was part of the seventh edition of "India Yale Parliamentary Leadership Programme", held June 19-27, 2013.<br /><br />About 70 parliamentarians have received such certificates.<br /><br />A total of 11 Indian members of parliament went to the campus in New Haven, Connecticut to complete a six-day leadership programme with the Yale faculty.<br /><br />Irani was involved in a controversy over her educational qualifications after becoming human resource development minister when it emerged she made contradictory declarations in her election affidavits.</p>
<p>Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani Monday said her statement on the degree from Yale University in the United States was "misconstrued".<br /><br /></p>.<p>"Unfortunate that statement of my participation in a leadership programme and certificate thereafter was misconstrued," Irani said in a tweet.<br /><br />Speaking at the India Today Woman Summit 2014, Saturday, Irani said: "In that kitty of mine where people call me 'anpad' (illiterate), I do have a degree from the Yale University as well which I can bring out and show how Yale celebrated my leadership capacities."<br /><br />However, an official from the Yale University told IANS it was a "certificate" and not a "degree" programme.<br /><br />The official confirmed Irani was part of the seventh edition of "India Yale Parliamentary Leadership Programme", held June 19-27, 2013.<br /><br />About 70 parliamentarians have received such certificates.<br /><br />A total of 11 Indian members of parliament went to the campus in New Haven, Connecticut to complete a six-day leadership programme with the Yale faculty.<br /><br />Irani was involved in a controversy over her educational qualifications after becoming human resource development minister when it emerged she made contradictory declarations in her election affidavits.</p>