In a solemn signing ceremony held at the Preah Sihanoukraja Buddhist University 4th October 2021, His Eminent Samdech Preah Mahaariyavamsa Dr. Khy Sovanratana, Acting Rector of the Preah Sihanoukraja Buddhist University (SBU), Royal Government of Cambodia, and H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia signed an MoU to set up an IT Center at SBU’s Main Campus and Battambang Branch. This initiative is the government of India’s Quick Impact Project (QIP) Scheme under the framework of Mekong Ganga Cooperation. The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Seng Somony, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Cult and Religion, Kingdom of Cambodia, and other faculty members of SBU.
The government of India cooperates with the Royal Government of Cambodia on many grant assistance programs that contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the people of Cambodia. Under QIP Scheme, the government of India implements 10 projects every year in Cambodia by providing funding of up to USD 50,000 each per project. Since 2015-16, the government of India has approved 39 projects in the fields of IT, agriculture, health, sanitation, women’s empowerment, child welfare, rural development, social infrastructure (including capacity building), environment, etc. Out of 39 projects, 20 projects have already been completed and the remaining 19 projects are at various stages of execution. These projects have received an overwhelming response and created a distinct and visible impact among the beneficiaries.
Speaking on the occasion, His Eminent Samdech Preah Mahaariyavamsa Dr. Khy Sovanratana, Acting Rector of the Preah Sihanoukraja Buddhist University (SBU) thanked the government and Embassy of India for providing grants for setting up an IT Centre at SBU which will benefit students, monks, and faculty. He particularly thanked the Ambassador for her continuous support and cooperation that has been extended to SBU. He stated that the relationship between Cambodia and India is centuries old and Cambodia has learned religion, philosophy, art, and Nirwana (happiness) from India.
While expressing her appreciation that the signing of the MoU is taking place during the auspicious occasion of Pchum Ben, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India recalled the age-old bonds of friendship, shared culture & heritage. She stated that Buddhism forms an integral part of historical linkages between Cambodia and India. She added that the IT Centre at SBU will increase digital literacy and explained the initiatives of the government of India under various bilateral and multilateral frameworks, including under the Mekong Ganga Cooperation framework. She stressed the positive impact of such projects towards the enhancement of the overall bilateral relationship. She also added that it is her endeavor to support projects, which will have a direct impact on the lives of common people.
Source: India in Cambodia (Embassy of India, Phnom Penh)
