The U.S. Consulate in Chennai has offered to assist the territorial administration in enhancing English proficiency among rural students, Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy said on Wednesday after a meeting with visiting United States Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster.
The U.S. Consulate would assist in the healthcare sector, Mr. Narayanasamy said.
On his meeting with Mr. Juster, the Chief Minister said he had briefed the Ambassador about his government’s thrust on education, healthcare, tourism, infrastructure development, law and order and welfare measures.
‘Excellent meeting’
The Ambassador in his brief interaction with reporters said he had an “excellent” meeting with the Chief Minister and was able to get a first hand information on the key initiatives of the government.
Mr. Juster appreciated the growing relationship between India and the U.S. and acknowledged the bilateral meetings Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with American Presidents in the last four years. Both nations had shown a keen interest in expanding the relationship and to work jointly on counter terrorism, he added.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Juster called on Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi and held a detailed discussion on a wide range of subjects.
Ms. Bedi in a message said that the Union Territory could collaborate with the U.S. on rejuvenating rivers in Puducherry and Karaikal. The partnership will help in augmenting the existing resources used for teaching the language, both spoken and written, she added.
Close coordination
Development Commissioner A. Anbarasu would coordinate with the U.S. Consulate to implement the plans on rejuvenation of rivers and on improving English proficiency, she said.
Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar, G. Theva Neethi Dhas, Secretary to Lt. Governor and Mr Anbarasu were part of the deliberations.
