A delegation from the Maldives has left for India to attend a special training programme at the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) in Hyderabad.
A total of 21 officials including employees of the atoll councils and Local Government Authority (LGA) are participating in the training programme held from December 19-31. The training programme is implemented under an agreement signed between the Local Government Authority and NIRDPR, a training centre operated under the Ministry of Rural Development (MORD) of India.
During the official visit of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to India in August, a Memorandum of Understanding (#MoU) was signed on Capacity Building and Training of Members of Local Councils, Women's Development Committees (WDC) and LGA. The purpose of the MoU signed with the Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj of India is to improve technical competence and develop skills in relevant areas of local governance.
The training in India is designed based on the proposals of the LGA. As such, virtual and physical meetings were held between the LGA and NIRDPR during September and October this year to design the training. Likewise, in October this year, a three-member delegation visited LGA, Maldives Institute of Local Governance, local councils and WDCs of Felidhoo in Vaavu Atoll and Guraidhoo in Kaafu Atoll.
The training programme is based on lectures and discussions. It will also provide opportunities for sharing of local governance and decentralisation knowledge and experience between sector service providers and professionals.