India, Australia to set up bureau on vocational education

New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) Notwithstanding the series of
attacks on Indian students in Australia, both the countries
are set to launch a bureau on vocational education which will
promote collaboration in skill development training and
establish institutional linkages.
A delegation from Australia was here last week to discuss
the modalities and contours of the partnership with India on
vocational education. A delegation from India, headed by S C
Khuntia, Joint Secretary in HRD Ministry, visited Canberra a
fortnight ago.
"Both the countries have agreed to set up a bureau on
vocational education. This will work on collaboration in skill
development training and establishing linkages between
institutions of both the countries on vocational education,"
an official source said.
The bureau will promote collaboration between
institutions in the areas of hospitality, tourism, banking and
finance and other areas of skill development. It will also
coordinate the government to government linkage on education,
the source said.
The bureau will consider all the proposals for
cooperation between both the countries. There are chances that
certain institutions will start joint courses in areas of
vocational education.
The move comes amid a spate of attacks on Indian students
in Australia that has hit the educational ties.
The operation of the bureau is expected to be announced
in April when Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal visits Australia.
PTI BKM
JVN