INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
16.1.1 Since the establishment of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), India has been in the forefront in promoting its ideals and objectives. The Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INC) set up in 1949 is the apex advisory, executive, liaison, information and coordinating body at the national level. INC has been playing an active role in UNESCO's work particularly in the formulation and execution of its programme in collaboration with UNESCO Secretariat as well as the National Commissions of Asia and Pacific region.
16.1.2 During the year, India contributed to the activities of UNESCO and its Regional Offices through participation in numerous workshops, symposia and conferences, by assisting in the Organisation of national, regional and inter-regional activities in India in areas of competence of Unesco, arranging participation of Indian experts in UNESCO's activities formulating project under the Participation Programme of Unesco and administration of Unesco Coupons scheme. Public information activities relating to Unesco continued to be operated in the form of publications of Hindi and Tamil editions of Unesco Courier.
Follow Up of Education For All Summit of Nine High Population
Countries 16.1.3 The Department of Education was privileged to host the education for All Summit of Nine High Population Countries in New Delhi in December 1993 in which the Head of three UN Agencies UNESCO, UNICEF & UNFPA also participated as Cosponsors. As a follow-up of the EFA Summit, the undermentioned steps have been taken:
(a) Meeting of EFA-9 Countries There was a Minister level meeting in Geneva on 8 October 1994 of the nine countries which participated in the Education for All Summit of nine high population countries held in New Delhi in December 1993. Heads of UNESCO, UNICEF and senior representative of UNFPA - the three sponsoring agencies of the EFA-9 Summit participated in the meeting. The meeting was held during the 44th Session of ICE and the Indian delegation was led by HRM.
The meeting adopted a Resolution calling upon the three sponsoring UN agencies to further increase their involvement for the attainment of the goals set in the Delhi Declaration through increased financial and other commitments. The highlight of the meeting was effusive praise for India's efforts for the achievement of EFA particularly by the Executive Director of UNICEF. The Indian suggestion that the three U N Agencies and all the participating countries could individually adopt specific themes for focussed attention was accepted. There was also agreement that the Copenhagen World Summit on Social Development should be utilised for focussing sharply on Education as a key element in Social Development.
During the meeting Distance Education - which was a major new joint initiative agreed upon at the New Delhi Summit - was also discussed. The Indian presentation was the most comprehensive and also contained a detailed action plan. It was very well received and would provide the basis for further action in this emerging new area with direct involvement of UNESCO.
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(b) Brazilian National Conference on Education For All (EFA) A three member delegation led by Km. Selja, Deputy Minister (E&C) attended the National Conference on Education for All held in Barazilia, Brazil from 29th August to 4th September, 1994.
This National Conference on EFA was organised as a follow-up of EFA-9 Summit held in New Delhi. The Aim of the Conference was to analyse present policies and to determine mechanisms and strategies to strengthen present actions in the field of education for all thus conferring continuity to this process of EFA. The objectives of the Conference were to:-
1. Discuss implementation strategies and the continuity of the Ten Year Plan of Education for All at the state and municipal levels;
2. Deepen knowledge and discussion of the experiences garnered in application of Education for All policies in the EFA-9 countries; and
3. Propose strategies and mechanisms for improving Education for All policies in the stages of formulation and execution.
44th Session of International Conference on Education 16.1.4 HRM led a delegation to the 44th Session of international Conference on Education in Geneva on 3-8 October 1994. The theme of the Conference was "Education for Peace, Human Rights and Democracy". The Indian delegation played a major role in the drafting of the Declaration and "Integrated Framework of Action for Peace, Human Rights and Democracy". The Indian delegation introduced three major concepts of sustainable development, terrorism and fundamentalism as having important bearing on education for Human Rights. All these concepts were included in the final Declaration that emerged from the Conference.
Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference in Preparation for World Summit
for Social Development, Manila 16.1.5 The Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference in preparation for the World Summit on Social Development was held at Manila from 12-18 October, 1994.
(i) Shri Mukul Wasnik, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports in the Ministry of Human Resource Development and;
(ii) Shri S.V. Giri, Education Secretary participated in the Conference.
16.1.6 The Indian delegation made significant contribution to include the perspective of developing countries particularly regarding sustainable development in the deliberations.
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Asia-Pacific Programme for Educational Innovation for Development
(APEID) 16.1.7 As one of the promoters of UNESCO's Regional Programme of Educational Innovations for Development for Asia and the Pacific (APEID), India has actively participated in APEID Programmes and activities. The National Council of Educational Research and Training, one of the principal Associate Centres of APEID, acts as the Secretariat of NDG, facilitates dissemination of information about APEID activities and promotes innovative experiences at the regional level.
Contribution to Unesco 16.1.8 The contribution of each Member State is determined on the basis laid down by the United Nations and approved by the General Conference of Unesco. As a member of Unesco, India's contribution to the Organisation's budget of the biennium 1993-94 was fixed at 0.36% of the total budget of the Organisation by the 27th Session of the General Conference of Unesco which was held during 1993. The Government of India also makes voluntary contributions to Unesco in response to the appeals addressed by Unesco to its Member States for contribution for specific purposes.
Executive Board of Unesco 16.1.9 The 145th Session of the Executive Board of the Unesco was held from 17th October to 4th November, 1994 at Paris. Shri R.N. Mirdha, M.P. represented India in this session. The Board adopted a resolution on the follow-up of the EFA-9 Summit in New Delhi.
NOMA Literacy Award 1994 16.1.10 The NOMA Literacy Award for the year 1994 instituted by UNESCO has been awarded to the Loreto Day School at Sealdah, Calcutta, India for (i) having reached out to the many poor children deprived of access to literacy and education and increasingly opened the doors to underprivileged youngsters from slum areas and the streets; (ii) having introduced novel initiatives to reach the masses such as (a) "Child-to-Child" teaching programmes in rural areas, reducing the drop-out rate from 60% to 18%; (b) "Rainbow" programme within the school for homeless street children characterized by a flexible curriculum and attendance; (c) "Drop-in" programme since 1979 for older girls who have never attended school or who have dropped out, to enable them to catch up and join normal classes; (d) "Barefoot Teachers" programme for the recruitment and training of secondary school drop-out young men and women as literacy teachers in the most neglected slum and remote rural areas.
UNESCO
Participation by India in other Conference/Meetings/Workshops/
Working Groups Sponsored by Unesco. 16.1.11 Indian Experts represented the Department of Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development in the following Work-shops, Training courses, Seminars, Working Group Meetings sponsored by UNESCO or its Regional Offices:
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- Ms. Seema Khurana Patra, Deputy Secretary participated in the Second Regional Workshop on Continuing Education for Development held at Sanhe, China from 16-25th May, 1994.
- Shri A.K. Basu, Director (AE) participated in the Orientation Seminar on Monitoring & Evaluation of non- formal Basic Education held at Berlin, Germany from 13th to 18th June, 1994.
- Shri S.R. Tayal, Director, participated in the Inter- Regional Consultations on "A Unesco for the 21st Century" held at Lisbon, Portugal from 26-30 July, 1994.
- Shri P.K. Tripathi, Director (AE) participated in the Technical Working Group Meeting on Development of Manual for Learning Centres held at Pattaya, Thailand from 9-16 August, 1994.
- Shri Anurag Bhatnagar, Director (AE) participated in the Information and Experience Exchange Meeting on Japanese-Funds-in-Trust for Promotion of Literacy in Asia and the Pacific held at Pattaya, Thailand from 23- 26th August, 1994.
- Smt. P.V. Valsala G. Kutty, DS participated in the Consultative Policy Forum on Assessment on Training needs in the Areas of Educational Planning & Management with Special Emphasis in Central Asia held at Ashagat, Central Asia from 6-9 September, 1994.
- Prof. M. Mukhopadhyay, Chairman, NOS participated in the Expert Consultation Meet on Information Technologies in Distance Education held at Paris from 20-22 September, 1994.
- Shri Suresh Chand, Special Officer, (BP) participated in the 27th Training Course on Book Production in Asia and the Pacific (Training Course on Book Marketing and Distribution) held at Tokyo, Japan from 21 September to 8th October, 1994.
- Smt. Sadhana Rout, DS participated in the Regional Workshop on the Urgent Education needs for Rural Population held at Beijing, China from 2-11 November, 1994.
16.1.12 In addition to the above mentioned meetings, the Indian National Commission nominated experts to participate in national, regional and international meetings and workshops of Unesco.
Participation Programme of Unesco 16.1.13 Under the Participation Programme, Unesco provides financial assistance to various institutions and organisations of Member States which are engaged in promotion of programmes and activities of Unesco, for undertaking innovative projects which would contribute at the national, sub-regional and international levels to the implementation of the objectives of Unesco. For the biennium 1994-95, 18 projects had been forwarded to Unesco Secretariat for approval with a projected demand of US $3,88,500/-. Out of these, 8 projects have been approved so far.
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Education for International Understanding, Unesco Clubs and
Associated Schools 16.1.14 The Unesco Clubs, constituted mainly in educational institutions, are voluntary bodies engaged in the promotion of aims and objectives of the Organisation. The Associated Schools are educational institutions which are directly linked with Unesco Secretariat for participation in the Associated Schools Project for undertaking activities relating to education for international understanding, cooperation and peace. On the recommendation of the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with Unesco, 38 Schools and Teachers Training Institutes from India are enlisted with Unesco under this Project.
16.1.15 The Indian National Commission for Cooperation with Unesco is the national coordination agency for Unesco Clubs and Associated Schools. There are about 285 Unesco Clubs which are registered with INC. UNESCO Clubs and Associated Schools are provided with material and financial support for undertaking activities designed to promote the aims and objectives of Unesco, such as celebration of International Days and Years, Organisation of meetings, debates, contests to promote international understanding, cooperation and peace.
Photo Contest in Asia and the Pacific 16.1.16 The Indian national Commission for Unesco has been coordinating the participation of Indian photographers in the photo contest organised by Asian Cultural Centre for Unesco, Japan. 10 persons from India have won a prize in UNESCO/ACCU World Photo Contest 1993, under the theme of "The Family" on the occasion of the World Decade for Cultural Development (1988-1997) & the International Year of the Family (1994). In the 18th Unesco/ACCU World Photo Contest, 15 persons have won the prize.
Unesco Coupons Programme 16.1.17 The Commission continued to operate the Unesco International Coupons Scheme designed to assist individuals and institutions working in the fields of Education, Science, Culture and Communication to import their bonafide requirements of educational publications, Scientific equipment, educational films etc. from abroad without undergoing the foreign exchange and import control formalities. The total sale of Unesco Coupons during the year amounted to US $12,260/-.
Publication of Indian Language Editions of Unesco Courier 16.1.18 "COURIER" is an educational and cultural periodical brought out by Unesco. The Indian national commission continued to support publications of its Hindi and Tamil Editions with the assistance of Unesco subvention. The language versions enjoy a wide circulation amongst educational institutions, Libraries, Unesco Clubs, Associated Schools and the public at large.
Schemes of Financial Assistance to Voluntary bodies, Unesco Clubs
and Associated Schools 16.1.19 The Commission is operating a scheme of financial assistance to voluntary
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organisations, Unesco Clubs and Associated Schools for undertaking activities aimed at the promotion of ideals and objectives of Unesco. During the year, grant-in-aid amounting to Rs. 34,000/- has been sanctioned so far to the different bodies.
External Academic Relations (EAR) 16.2.1 The EAR Unit deals with policy matters to promote India's External Academic Relations with more than 60 countries with whom India has bilateral Cultural Exchange Programmes and other collaborative arrangements. It continued to monitor the educational component of the bilateral and collaborative programme with other countries.
16.2.2 On the invitation of Minister of Education and Culture, Government of Israel, an Indian Delegation led by Mr. Arjun Singh Minister for Human Resource Development visited Israel from 19th to 23rd June, 1994. The other members of the delegation were Shri S.V. Giri, Education Secretary and Prof. S.K. Khanna, Chairman, AICTE, New Delhi. During the visit, three Memoranda of Understanding were signed to establish educational linkages between higher education establishment of the two countries. One Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the University Grants Commission and the Israel Academy of Science and Humani-ties to promote exchange of information and establishment of contacts between the Academic Community and institutions of Higher Education of the two countries in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Bar-Ilan University at Tel Aviv and the University Hyderabad provides for exchange of University teachers, researchers and collaborative research programmes particularly in the field of science. The Third Memorandum of Understanding between the Tel Aviv University and its Shirely and Leslie Porter School and the Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi seeks to promote collaboration in the field of Philosophy.
16.2.3 Mi. Uzi Israel, Director, Aharon Ofri International Study Centre, Jerusalam visited India from 16th to 19th August, 1994. During his stay in India Mr. Uzi Israeli visited Centre for Vocational Education, Women Polytechnic, Technical Teacher Training Institute, Bhopal.
16.2.4 On the invitation of Minister, HRD, H.E. Mr. Amanya Mushega, Minister of education and Sports Uganda, visited India from 2nd to 7th December, 1994. He was accompanied with two senior officials of the Government of Uganda. The main purpose of the visit has been to study the development of education in India and to promote bilateral exchange and cooperation in the field of education between the two countries.
12th Conference of Commonwealth Education Minister 16.2.5 The 12th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers was held in Islamabad, Pakistan from 27th November to 1st December, 1994. Minister of HRD led the delegation to the said Conference. The other members of the delegation were Shri S.V. Giri, Education Secretary and Shri Sudeep Banerjee, Joint Secretary.
16.2.6 The main theme of the Conference was "Changing role of the State in Education: Politics and Partnerships" on which HRM made a major statement. HRM also chaired the Ministerial Committee on "Partnerships and Participation".
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16.2.7 There were a number of Round table discussions on various aspects of Education. India was assigned the theme "Out of School Education". Education Secretary made a statement on this theme in the Round table.