France to help Indians begin virtual classes

NEW DELHI:FRANCE said on Monday it is exploring novel ways to maintain cooperation with India amid the Covid-19 crisis, especially in education, and has augmented the proportion of scholarships for this academic year by 50% or ₹10 crore.

The efforts are focused on maintaining people-to-people exchanges despite the lockdown and suspension of events. France also intends to turn the Covid-19 crisis into an opportunity to boost partnerships in education, research and culture.

France is fully geared to enable the start of the academic year for new students through virtual classrooms, if necessary. Authorities are hoping students will be able to join their classes in France in autumn, if not September.

“France has also augmented its proportion of scholarships by 50%—equivalent to ₹10 crore— for this academic year. These scholarships will be awarded regardless of whether a student starts the semester in India or

France,” a statement from the French embassy read.

French ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said: “The strategic partnership between India and France is nurtured through strong people-to-people ties. As France and India gradually emerge from their lockdowns, their exchanges will serve as building blocks for a new world and a common future.”

Trusted global scientific collaboration is the need of the hour since no country can achieve a breakthrough alone in the Covid-19 crisis, he said. “Our country recognises that education will play a critical role in shaping a post-pandemic world, and thus reiterates that Indian students and researchers are welcome in France,” he added.

Notwithstanding logistical and planning challenges, France will continue to welcome Indian students for higher studies. France has taken care of its foreign students on an equal footing with their French counterparts, ensuring their safety and well-being through its social and public healthcare system.