India, NZ decide to establish joint education council

New Delhi, June 29 (PTI) India and New Zealand have decided to establish a joint education council to carry forward cooperation in the sector.The cooperation, which would primarily focus on higher education, research, and skills development, was discussed between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his visiting New Zealand counterpart Johan Key here yesterday.The total funding for the initiative is expected to be NZ$1 million per year with both India and New Zealand contributing equally, said an HRD Ministry official.The University Grants Commission of India will provide the funds for India, he said.Both the countries already have signed an Education Exchange Programme during the visit of HRD Minister Kapil Sibal to New Zealand earlier.A statement issued by the HRD Ministry said the initiative is expected to strengthen the relationship even further and promote academic, industry links and open up opportunities for education services collaboration between the two countries."The Education Council will become flagship of the education relationship between the two countries encouraging in building knowledge and awareness among young business leaders from both countries through scholarships and internships in each other's business schools and industrial enterprises," the statement said.