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The Embassy of
India, Muscat held the ITEC Day 2007-08 at the Embassy Lawns in the
evening of February 3, 2008. H.E. Dr. Juma bin Ali Al Juma, Minister
of Manpower of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman was the chief
guest at the function. The function began with a short cultural
programme that included screening of a short documentary showcasing
the beauty and splendor of India epitomized by numerous historical
monuments and world heritage sites from various phases of Indian
history. There were also two dance performances and an instrumental
performance by local Indian artistes from Kalamandalam. His
Excellency Anil Wadhwa, in his address, spoke about the various
aspects of the ITEC programme and urged the Omani Government to
fully utilize the scholarships offered by India. A number of senior
officials from different Ministries of the Government of the
Sultanate of Oman and around 50 ITEC alumni attended the function,
which was followed by a dinner.
Indian Technical and Economic
Cooperation popularly known as "ITEC" was launched by a decision of
the Indian Cabinet on September 15, 1964 as a bilateral programme of
assistance of the Government of India. Under it and its corollary
SCAAP, 156 countries in Asia, Africa, East Europe, Central & Latin
America, Pacific and Small Island countries are invited to share in
the Indian Development experience acquired over five decades of our
existence as a free nation. India spends about Rs.500 million
annually on ITEC activities.
Under the programme, the Ministry
of External Affairs of the Government of India offers 30
scholarships to Omani Government officials for undertaking various
short to long term training programmes in reputed educational
institutes in India. There are over 250 courses in diverse subjects
ranging from IT & web designing to journalism, audit, quality &
standards management, development of business & entrepreneurial
skills, telecom & mobile technologies, human resource planning and
development, management diploma and English and communication skills
etc available for the candidates to choose from in 42 institutes,
spread over the length and breadth of the country. The candidates
are offered two way air tickets from Oman to the international
airport nearest to the institute in India and a monthly allowance of
Indian Rupees 10,000 /- while the concerned institute provides
accommodation. During the training, the institutes also organize
visits to various tourist places in the vicinity.
Hundreds of Omani officials have
visited India in the past under the ITEC programme. Every year, the
Embassy celebrates ITEC Day which is held in the form of a reception
where past ITEC participants are invited to share their experiences
and observations on India.
In his address, H.E. Dr.
Juma bin Ali Al Juma, Minister of Manpower was highly appreciative
of the ITEC Programme of the Government of India under which Omani
nationals are getting training in India in various courses which
help in enhancement of their skills.
A
few photographs taken on the occasion are also attached.
See photographs |