During his visit to India in June-July 1998 to encourage the study of Australia in Indian universities, Dr Satendra Nandan of the University of Canberra (centre) met with eminent writers Ms Kamla Das and Mr Mulk Raj Anand at the Literary Criterion Centre, Mysore.

The Australia-India Council's competitive funding application process means
that the initiative and enthusiasm of a wide range of individuals and
organisations can be encouraged and supported in furthering the Council's
objectives. The funding application process has also helped to identify areas
worthy of more systematic or long-term Council program involvement.

The application process is designed to provide seed funds for innovative
projects that will further the aims and objectives of the Council beyond the
initial period of AIC funding, thereby providing significant continuing
benefits for what is often a modest initial outlay.

All applications are made using standard documents and are assessed by a
standard appraisal procedure, helping to ensure consistency and equity in
Council funding decisions.

The Council attaches a number of conditions to its funding, including that
all applications be assessed against the following guidelines:

• individuals or organisations applying for funding should have a
  substantial record of achievement in the proposed field of endeavour
• the activity should be a worthwhile initiative with clearly defined
  outcomes that will promote a broader and deeper relationship between
  Australia and India
• wherever possible, AIC support should constitute seed funds to encourage
  partnership support from other sources, including corporate sponsors, in
  cash or in kind
• activities should preferably offer prospects of future independent
  activity following initial AIC funding
• provision should be made for publicity or promotion of the activity,
  including appropriate acknowledgment of Council support.

The Council generally meets three or four times each year to consider
applications for AIC funding. It is the responsibility of funding applicants
to ensure, by consultation with the AIC Secretariat, that applications are
received by the Council at least four weeks prior to the respective Council
meeting.

A summary of the principal AIC-funded activities, both Council-initiated
and in response to funding applications from individuals and other
organisations working to advance the Australia-India relationship, follows in
respect of each Council funding program.