ITEC alumni members celebrate day |23 May 2005

The event was marked by presentations on defence and civilian training under the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation), ending with a reception.

In his speech on the occasion, the Indian High Commissioner Mr Arun Kumar Goel said between April last year to March this year, 29 Seychellois candidates have been sent to India under the ITEC programme at a cost of US$125,000.

The Indian government, he said, has spent over US$2 billion since it launched the programme in 1964 to boost capacity building in developing countries. 

The government, he said, is investing some US$10 million annually in five major areas including training, projects development, deputation of experts, research and aid for disaster relief in developing countries.

Given its small population, percentage-wise, he said, Seychelles receives the highest number of scholarships under the ITEC programme and so far some 400 Seychellois have received training.

Training under the programme makes provision for free return ticket, excess baggage allowance on return journey, living and book allowances, accommodation, course fee and visa. Training is normally at certificate level in the various fields and the duration varies between a few weeks up to several months.

The exchange with Seychelles also includes the deputation of Indian experts and last year there were seven of them working in the country.
 
Mr Goel has also announced that in line with its commitment to developing countries, India is about to launch a satellite network that will connect all African countries to India, Seychelles included.

As a result, the country will be in a good position to advance for instance its telemedicine and other long distance conferencing projects, he said.

The chairman of the association, Mr Maxwell Julie has launched an appeal to members to settle their membership fee promptly so that they can move ahead to plan activities to sensitise people about the prospects of studying in India.

During the event he received a grant from Mr Goel in support of the association.