(a) the current status of the Mekong-Ganga Co-operation (MGC) along with the activities undertaken to strengthen ties between people of the two great river basins;
(b) whether seats and scholarship to facilitate eligible students from Cambodia to pursue higher studies are reserved in Nalanda University; and
(c) if so, the details in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC), established in the year 2000, focusses on expanding cooperation between India and countries of the Mekong region, viz. Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. The key areas of cooperation under MGC are tourism, culture, education, and transport & communications, which aim to strengthen the ties between the peoples of the two regions. Efforts are also underway to widen collaboration between MGC countries in SMEs, conservation of rice germplasm, health and pandemic management, establishment of a Common Archival Resource Centre at Nalanda University and through Quick Impact Projects. The most visible manifestation of MGC is the MGC Museum of Traditional Asian Textiles at Siem Reap, Cambodia, established with Indian assistance in April 2014.
(b) & (c) The Ministry of External Affairs has, through the ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund, granted six scholarships to students from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam to pursue a Masters degree at Nalanda University. Selected students are eligible for waiver of full fees, including tuition fees, boarding, lodging and travel fare, for the period of study. A total of 4 students (2 from Laos, 2 from Myanmar and none from Cambodia) are currently studying at Nalanda University under this scholarship.