Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, has called for the Indian government to prioritise engaging in formal discussions with the government of Lesotho to address educational opportunities, this follows the growing issue of Basotho students stranded in India due to unmet tuition fees.
In July 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations revealed the distressing plight of around 3,000 Basotho students who were unable to continue their studies because of financial constraints.
The minister’s call comes amidst the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, which was established to strengthen international cooperation between India and other nations, including Lesotho.
Matlanyane expressed her concern during the ITEC Day celebrations held at Lancers Inn over the weekend underscoring that while Lesotho has benefited greatly from its cooperation with India, especially in sectors such as healthcare, green agriculture, and sustainable energy, the current situation surrounding Basotho students studying in India without formal support from the government requires urgent attention.
She urged the Indian government to collaborate with Lesotho in formalising the educational opportunities available to Basotho students, ensuring that the programs are both beneficial and manageable for both students and their families.
“There are a number of issues involved, including uncertainties toward educational continuity facing the students in your country. As the minister of Finance, I request that we should fine-tune that component of our relationship,” Matlanyane emphasised, recognising the importance of fostering a more structured and supportive educational exchange between the two nations.
The issue of stranded students has escalated into a significant concern for Lesotho, as many students have pursued studies in India without the government’s knowledge or support, leading to difficulties in meeting financial obligations for their education.
Matlanyane made it clear that these students, while pursuing educational opportunities in good faith, have become a challenge for the government.
“Basotho students who go ahead to study in India without the government’s knowledge have become a problem to us,” she stated.
She further elaborated that the government seeks to understand which programs are available to Basotho students and to address the financial challenges that many students face while studying abroad.
Matlanyane also expressed gratitude to India for its longstanding support through the ITEC program, which offers training, scholarships, and various capacity-building initiatives across a wide range of sectors, such as agriculture, healthcare, information technology, and education.
The ITEC program, initiated by India in 1964, has been instrumental in sharing India’s developmental expertise and technical skills with partner countries. The Indian High Commissioner to Lesotho, Shri Prabhat Kumar in his address, noted that over 250,000 people across more than 160 partner countries have benefitted from ITEC initiatives.
“Today marks the 60 glorious years of the ITEC program,” he remarked, highlighting its success in fostering mutual development through South-South Cooperation.
Lesotho has been a notable beneficiary of the ITEC program, with many of its professionals attending training courses in India to enhance their skills in various fields.
The High Commissioner further revealed that India offers a range of scholarships for Basotho students, ensuring their admission to top educational institutions in India.
“We make sure they are admitted to the best schools in our country. And we ensure that when the scholars return to Lesotho, they are of great use to your country,” he said, emphasising the long-term benefits of these educational exchanges for Lesotho.
Matlanyane acknowledged India’s continued support in fields such as green agriculture, education, and health, praising the Indian government’s efforts to assist Lesotho in sustainable energy initiatives and security. However, she also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation into new sectors, particularly technology.
“Lesotho can use the already existing technology to leapfrog and take advantage of improving different sectors,” she remarked, suggesting that technology could play a key role in advancing Lesotho’s economic development.
In his speech, Major General Matela Matobakele, representing the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), highlighted the significant role that India has played through the ITEC program in strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.
“ITEC has played an immense role in strengthening our defence capability,” Matobakele noted, explaining that the program has provided training in leadership, modern defence strategies, and technological advancements. Currently, 21 members of the LDF are undergoing training in India, further reinforcing the value of the program in enhancing the country’s security forces,” he said.
Matobakele also called on the Lesotho government to continue supporting the LDF’s partnership with India, noting that while the Indian government fully funds the programs, the Lesotho government should provide additional support to the participants to ensure their immediate needs are met.
“We value the relations and trust we have built over the years and we appeal to our government to support LDF in the partnership to further strengthen this relationship,” he said.
Minister Tšeliso Mokhosi, the Minister of Labour, also weighed in, recognising the immense value of India’s contributions through the ITEC program in empowering Lesotho’s workforce.
“It is through well-designed programs and technical assistance that our workforce is capacitated to meet the evolving global workforce needs,” Mokhosi said.
He emphasised that ITEC has gone beyond skills transfer, fostering cooperation and solidarity between Lesotho and India.
Co-Owner and Managing Editor of Newsday Media Lesotho. PEPFAR Media champion, Award wining features journalist, an Investigative journalist, REPSSI CAB member. Maseru, Lesotho Joined November 2009.
