India-Ireland to work on Science

New Delhi, Aug 31: In a move that would boost research in science and technologies through institutions of higher education and enterprises the government approved an agreement to this effect with Ireland.

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet Meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said the agreement was reached during the state visit of Irish Prime Minister to India early this year on January 19.

The agreement, Mr Dasmunsi said, also provides for the creation of a Working Group, which shall meet alternatively in the two countries, to review and discuss the developments of scientific and technological cooperation between them and to discuss matters related to implementing arrangements on this agreement.

The decision by the cabinet will further develop friendly relationships and promote cooperation in the field of Science and Technology, he added.

The Cabinet also approved an Indo-Ecuador Agreemmnet on cultural cooperation, signed on July 18, 2006 in New Delhi by Minister of state for External Affairs Anand Sharma and foreign minister of Equador Franscico Carrion. The agreement shall remain in force for five years.

The agreement will help promote and develop relations between the two countries in the realm of culture, art, archaeology, education, mass media, tourism and sports.

In another decision, the cabinet approved the transfer of 6.72 acres of Defence land to kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) on a long term lease for 99 years at a nominal rent of Re one per annum for the construction of Kendriya Vidyalaya building and associated facilities at Naval Armament Depot, Sunabeda, Orissa.

UNI