'No hidden agenda behind ITEC assistance'

There is no hidden agenda over offering Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) scholarships to over 160 countries around the world, Indian High Commissioner in Ghana Jeeva Sagar has said.

Launched in September 1964, the ITEC programme has helped several people over the years, Sagar said, adding that since 2011, over 2,400 people from across Africa have benefitted from various training programmes in India.

Speaking at a ceremony to celebrate ITEC Day, Sagar said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised over 50,000 programmes in the near future.

The High Commission awarded Ghana a total of 22 ITEC scholarships each for the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 financial years. For 2014-2015, the country has been allotted 30 slots.

In Ghana, the country utilised 194 slots in the 2013-14 financial year and 61 slots under various other schemes. The number of scholarships increased from 150 in 2012-13 to 200 in 2013-14.

Sierra Leone utilised 45 and 30 slots during 2012-13 and 2013-14. For 2014-15, the country was allotted 40 ITEC slots.

Togo utilised the 35 slots it was allotted in 2012-13 and utilised 37 slots in 2013-14. It has been allotted 40 slots for 2014-15.