By IANS
Muscat : Oman should take full advantage of an Indian training programme and utilise the scholarships offered under it for government officials, Indian Ambassador Anil Wadhwa has urged.
Speaking at a function here Sunday evening, the ambassador highlighted the various advantages of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, under which hundreds of Omani officials have visited India in the past. They get training in India in various courses, which help in enhancement of their skills.
ITEC was launched Sep 15, 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance offered by the Indian government to various developing nations across the world.
Under it and its corollary Special Commonwealth African Assistance Programme (SCAAP), 156 countries in Asia, Africa, East Europe, Central and Latin America, Pacific and small island nations were invited to share in the Indian development experience acquired since independence.
India spends about Rs.500 million annually on ITEC activities.
Under it, the Ministry of External Affairs 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 and web design to journalism, audit, development of business and entrepreneurial skills, telecom and mobile technologies, human resource planning and development and English and communication skills.
The candidates can choose from 42 institutes spread across the country. They are offered two-way air tickets from Oman to the international airport closest to the institute in India and also a monthly allowance of Rs.10,000 with the institute providing the accommodation.
Oman’s Minister for Manpower Juma bin Ali Al Juma, the chief guest at the function to mark ITEC day, was highly appreciative of the initiative.
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.
Sunday’s function began with a short cultural programme that included screening of a short documentary showcasing the beauty and splendour of India epitomised by numerous historical monuments and world heritage sites.
There were two dance performances and an instrumental recital by local Indian artistes. A number of senior officials from different ministries of this Gulf nation and around 50 ITEC alumni attended the function, followed by a dinner.