Wednesday 01 / May / 2024
Muscat: A reception for the Indian community in the Sultanate was recently hosted by Indra Mani Pandey, the South Asian country’s ambassador to Oman.
Welcoming the community in the first reception since joining as ambassador here on August 10, 2015, he conveyed his appreciation for the role played by his compatriots in the development of close ties and strategic partnerships between the two countries.
He also praised the contribution that the community continues making in the growth and development of both the countries.
He also outlined the initiatives taken by the Embassy to reach out to various segments of the Indian community in Oman, including Indian workers.
In this context, the Ambassador said he appreciated the role played by Indian Social Clubs in Muscat and other cities, various linguistic wings, volunteers, social workers and other community organisations in meeting social, cultural, educational and other needs of the community and in assisting the Embassy in reaching out to various segments of the Indian community in Oman.
The envoy also referred to the successful launch of MigCall Mobile App, which has enabled thousands of Indian workers in the Gulf countries to connect to Indian Embassies and Consulates in case they need assistance.
He reiterated the commitment of the Government of India to promoting the welfare of Indian communities abroad and spoke about various initiatives taken by the Government of India to forge close ties with the Indian diaspora.
He also invited community members to participate in various developmental schemes launched by the Indian Government, such as ‘Made in India’, ‘Skill India’, ‘Digital India’, ‘Smart Cities’, ‘Clean India’, and others.
The diplomat reiterated his request to the community to do their utmost in enhancing bilateral trade and mutual investments between India and Oman, and improving living and working conditions of Indian workers in Oman.
Members of the Indian community expressed their appreciation for the reception hosted by the Ambassador at he Embassy auditorium, which provided them with an opportunity to better understand the initiatives taken by the Embassy and the Government of India to promote the welfare of the Indian diaspora in Oman. The reception also provided an opportunity for community members to interact with one another.
‘ITEC Day’
Meanwhile, the Embassy will be organising the annual ‘ITEC Day’ on February 29, 2016 at the Embassy auditorium. It is expected to be attended by a large number of ITEC Alumni and representatives of the Government of Oman, officials and media, an Embassy release said.
The event provides an opportunity to alumni, who have been trained in India under this programme, to get together at the Embassy, where they can interact among themselves and learn from their experiences. A number of ITEC alumni will speak at the event and share their experiences.
The ITEC Programme, fully-funded by the Government of India, has evolved and expanded over the years. It covers a diverse range of subjects from traditional areas, such as agriculture, SMEs, management, English language to IT, Science and Technology, biotechnology, and others. Over the years, it has emerged as a pillar of India’s cooperation with developing countries. Skills being imparted encourage human resource development, capacity building, upgrading skills and empowerment.
Training and skill development under ITEC Programme contributes directly to Oman’s goals to develop its human resources and diversify its economy through small and medium enterprises .
In addition to civilian ITEC slots, India also increasingly provides training to personnel of the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Army of Oman. The programme is also open to the private sector in Oman, in conformity with the Sultanate’s policy of job creation through the private sector.
Having become a centre for global research and development over the last few decades, India is emerging as a prominent innovation hub, expanding its investment in this field, and is ready to share experiences with friendly countries, including Oman.
Under the ITEC Programme, India annually extending 50 fully-funded training scholarships to Oman through 2011-12, covering technical and vocational training courses from traditional areas to cutting-edge technologies.
The number has gradually been raised to 150. In view of the exceptionally close bilateral relations, and Oman’s interest and optimal utilisation, the scholarships will remain at the enhanced number of 150 for the next financial year beginning April 1.
