City council seeks India’s assistance to develop Male’

Male’ City Mayor Adam Azim and Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives G. Balasubramanian engaged in discussions on Thursday regarding strengthening cooperation in developing Male’ and enhancing the capacity of the city council.

The discussions took place during a courtesy call by Subramanian on Azim at the city council office.

During the call, Azim shared challenges facing institutions, and also expressed gratitude towards the assistance rendered by India over the years.

Azim named the development of human resources as the top priority for the city council during the current term.

As such, he highlighted on the importance of conducting short-term vocational training programs, and training Special Education Needs (SEN) teachers as well as teachers in preschools under the management of city council.

Subramanian responded by provided assurance that India would extend more training opportunities under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program.

14 city council employees were trained last year, and one more in good governance this year under the ITEC program.

During the meeting, Azim and Subramanian also discussed establishing “sister city” links between the city council and Indian municipal corporations, such as the Chennai Corporation.

They also discussed collaboration in community projects such as procuring outdoor gym equipment and establishing reading zones in public spaces.

Subramanian provided assurance that India will work closely with the city council to deepen bilateral cooperation and pursue initiatives that benefits the people of Male’.

Following the meeting, Subramanian toured the site of the new city council complex being developed in Male’.