Financial Aid Given by Oz PM to Indian NGO for Community Health Program

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard has given 30,000 Australian dollars for the furtherance of a joint community health development programme to Indian non-governmental organisation (NGO) Asha. The programme, called 'A New India-Australia Partnership to Support the Aspirations of Delhi's Urban Poor' was launched in early 2011 for the benefit of slum dwellers by Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal.

Addressing the members and volunteers of the Asha India NGO, Gillard said that she was impressed with the work they had done and offered them financial assistance for the development of future programmes.

"I think we can learn a lot from you, about what it means to overcome disadvantage, and what it means as an individual to focus and to make sure that you do seize the opportunities that are being created through Asha, but it is a great credit to you," she said.

"I take my hat off to you. We want to keep the partnership going that we have had with Asha, so I am pleased that we are able to make some new resources available, 30,000 Australian dollars, to help with the work, particularly the internship work. I am glad our High Commission can play a direct role too, offering opportunities," she added.

The Australian Prime Minister arrived in New Delhi on Monday on a three-day visit, where the two countries are to discuss the issue of increase in civil nuclear cooperation and the strengthening of economic ties.

Source-ANI