Minister Panta discusses resumption of 'Israel Internship Programme'

Kathmandu, July 18: Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Panta and Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, have discussed resuming the 'Israel Internship Programme' for Nepal's agriculture students.     

In a meeting held between the two here today, Minister Panta expressed appreciation for Israel's continued support to Nepal over various periods.     

Israeli Ambassador Bass, appraising the Minister about the programme being implemented since 2001, informed that more than 4,000 Nepali students have participated in the Programme so far and gained practical agricultural experience in Israel.     

He also mentioned that many of those students had made a significant contribution to Nepal's agriculture sector upon their return.     

Nepali students have been banned from travelling to Israel following the Hamas attack (on Israel) on October 7, 2023.     

The Israeli envoy, emphasising the continuation of the Programme, cautioned that if this procedural delay continues, it could deprive nearly 1,000 Nepali interns from accessing this valuable opportunity.     

He called on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to take prompt action for the timely registration of the students through the university system and facilitate their travel to Israel.     

In this context, the Minister clarified that there are no longer any obstacles for the return of the students going for an internship in Israel.     

The Minister has also proposed that the Israeli government consider increasing the student quota for the next fiscal year to address the growing demand for interns.     

It may be noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal has already issued a notice to continue the process of sending Nepali students to Israel, citing the positive security assessment from the Nepali Ambassador to Israel and response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel.     

In this regard, all concerned authorities have been urged to expedite the student registration process, notify aspiring students about this latest development and coordinate with the university.     

Present in the meeting were the Joint-Secretary and Spokesperson at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Shiva Kumar Sapkota and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal. (RSS)