Minister for Labour,
Dr. Sahib Singh said in New Delhi that India and Iran are working
to develop mutual cooperation in various areas, one of which will
be a memorandum of understanding between the Labour Ministries
of both the countries. Dr. Sahib Singh concluded his five-day
visit to Tehran. During Iran’s visit, he discussed the issue of
vocational training and labour skill development programmes.
During the visit,
the agreed minutes were also signed by Dr. Sahib Singh and Dr.
S.S. Hosseini, Minister of Labour & Social Affairs, the I.R.
of Iran. It included exchange of visits, including study tours,
by officials and experts; Exchange of information, experience
and documents; Consulting activities by experts; Sending experts
to attend seminars, workshops and other activities held in both
countries; Jointly organising training programmes; Cooperation
between V.V. Giri National Institute of Labour in Noida and Labour
and Social Security Institute of Iran, and Mutual co-operation
between the two countries on international affairs and ILO activities.
Shri Verma further
observed that India had a well-integrated system of vocational
training and industry with 4700 Industrial Training Institutes
catering to the needs of 700,000 young people every year. He added
that India was offering courses in 67 trades, with the length
of courses being one to three years. There were also short-term
courses, and also courses tailored for women and physically handicapped.
India had evolved a system of certification for those who had
gained skills on the job. All the State Governments had modern
facilities in this field.
The Labour Minister
stated that that the civilizations of both the countries are age-old.
By visiting Iran, he, in fact, re-emphasized the visit of Prime
Minister, Shri Vajpayee in April 2001 to Iran, which was a landmark
visit. He said that the forthcoming visit of President Khatani
to India will be a further landmark development in bilateral relations.
On way back to
India, Labour Minister visited the Labour Camp in Dubai and heard
the problems faced by Indian labourers in Dubai. These problems
were also discussed with Indian Ambassador in Dubai. The Minister
assured the labourers that he will take up the issue with the
appropriate authorities in Dubai to get it sorted out.
