There is an opportunity for approximately 100 Fijian students to study their choice of program in India through the assistance of the High Commission of India.
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh says the Commission will provide scholarships at no cost to the students however, they cannot provide scholarships for the Medicine program due to the cost involved.
This was highlighted by Singh during the round table meeting to develop a framework for the multi-ethnic community in the country.
Singh says the Commission will be taking care of the airfares, accommodation and allowance for the students even if it is a three-year or five-year program.
The Minister says the Commission has requested the Ministry to facilitate the scholarship and in the coming months, through consultation they will advertise it for students interested.
He says the previous government did not take advantage of the opportunity which was previously available to the students in Fiji.
Singh says the objective of the Ministry is to develop every individual irrespective of their ethnic background and to protect their traditions, culture, religion and values.
He also says that the Ministry was re-established by the coalition government to support the development needs of minority ethnic groups in Fiji with full commitment.
He further says the development of a framework is to do research and develop policies through nationwide consultation that will enable them to provide an equitable opportunity in addressing the needs of diverse cultural communities and its implementation towards cultural education programs.
The Minister adds says under the grant of the New Zealand government, there will be two consultants coming to Fiji who will carry out further in-depth consultation later this month.
He says this framework will build social cohesion and will ensure equal representation that will protect the rights of ethnic groups, which will contribute to Fiji's economy.
