CHAPTER IX INDIAN NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR COOPERATION WITH UNESCO
India has been a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization since its inception in 1946. Article VII of the Constitution of Unesco, requires that "Each Member State shall make arrangements as suit its particular conditions for purposes of associating its principal bodies interested in educational, scientific and cultural matters with the work of the organization preferably by the formation of a National Commission broadly representative of the Government and such bodies" and further provides that "National Commissions or national Cooperating bodies, where they exist, shall act in an advisory capacity to their respective delegations to the General Conference and to their Governments in matters relating to the organization and shall function as agencies of liaison in all matters of interest to it". Accordingly a permanent Commission was established in 1951. The Commission discharges its functions through the four sub-commissions on Education, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities & Culture and Communication. Having consideration to the fact that the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with Unesco was too unwieldy with its membership at 102, to function effectively, the Commission was reconstituted in February, 1978 and its membership was brought down to 56 to make it more compact and workable. The four Sub-Commissions of the Indian National Commission for Co-operation with Unesco met in New Delhi on July 5 and 6, 1978 to discuss the Draft Programme and Budget of Unesco for 1979-1980. The recommendations made by these Sub- Commissions were discussed at the 14th Session of the Indian National Commission held or 21st July, 1978. Through this meeting, the Com- mission was informed of the details of the problems envisaged by them in the next biennium. The advice was also obtained on the stand that our delegates may take on important issues.
Unesco Clubs As a part of its efforts to disseminate and promote information among people about United Nations and its
152
153
specialised agencies, the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with Unesco has been promoting Unesco Club Movement in the country. It is also a function of these clubs to develop activities in the field of education, sciences and culture and to promote international understanding, co-operation in World peace, e.g. observance of UN. Day, Human Rights Day, Unesco Week etc., organization or participation in exhibitions of Unesco publications, symposia, seminars, lecture programmes, UN/UNESCO Work-Shops etc. There are 133 Unesco Clubs functioning throughout the country. Majority of these Clubs are located in Universities and public libraries.
Unesco Coupons The Commission continued to operate the Unesco International Coupon Scheme designed to help educational and research institutions and also individuals working in the fields, of education, science and culture to import their bonafide requirements of educational publications, scientific equipments and educational films from abroad without undergoing the foreign exchange and import control formalities.
Coupons worth rupees sixteen lakhs approximately are likely to be sold during 1978-79.
Unesco Courier The Indian National Commission for Cooperation with Unesco continues to get the Hindi and Tamil editions of `The Unesco Courier' published through the Central Hindi Directorate and the Southern Languages Book Trust, Madras, respectively. The present number of each language issue is 3000 copies.
News Letter The Commission brings out a quarterly `Newsletter' to publicise information about the activities of the Commission and Unesco in India. In all 3000 copies are printed which are distributed among National Commissions abroad, Education Departments of States, Universities and other Educational institutions including Unesco associated Schools in the country and abroad.
Contribution to Unesco India's contribution to Unesco for the biennium 1978-79 amounted to Rs. 1,36,18,000 representing 0.65 per cent of
154
UNESCO's Budget. Out of this, an amount of Rs. 78 lakhs representing dues for 1978 has already been paid. The balance amount due for 1979 will be paid before the close of the financial year 1978-79.
Visit of Director-General of Unesco H. E. Mr. Amadou-Mahatar M'Bow, Director-General of Unesco, accompanied by the four officials made a brief stop over at New Delhi on the 15th June, 1978 on his way to Kathmandu.
On his return journey from Kathmandu, he stayed at New Delhi for the night on the 18th June, 1978. On this occasion, the Director- General met the Education Minister and the Secretary General, Indian National Commission for Unesco, and discussed matters of mutual interest.
20th Session of the General Conference of Unesco An Indian delegation of Official and Non-official Delegates participated in the 20th Session of the General Conference of Unesco held at Paris from 24th October to 28th November, 1978. The delegation was led by the Education Minister.
4th Regional Conference of Ministers of Education Unesco convened the 4th Regional Conference of Ministers of Education and those responsible for Economic Planning in Asia and Oceania at Colombo from 24th July to 1st August 1978. The Indian Delegation which participated in this Conference was led by Minister of State for Education, Social Welfare and Culture.
Deputations/Delegations Abroad As in previous years, delegations were sent for participation in the various International Conferences, Regional Seminars, Meetings etc.