The population is pleased to learn that the IC3 training programme would start soon. However, what we have not been told is that :

a. Dr Kuttan?s company would be paid USD 250 as licence fee for every trainee who takes the IC3 course and USD 2, 250 for every one who takes the IC3 examination.

b. On the estimated 400, 000 who are expected to follow this course, Dr Kuttan would earn Rs 32 m as licence fee plus another

Rs 144 m if only half of the estimated number take the IC3 examination. This adds up to about Rs 176 m that would need to be transferred to Dr Kuttan?s company account.

c. The IC3 course content is very similar to that of the local Computer Proficiency Programme (CPP) followed by more than 40,000 trainees over the last three years.

d. The CPP does not involve any foreign currency transaction because the content was locally developed and the exams are designed and administered by the University of Mauritius. In fact, most of the former CPP trainers will be delivering the IC3 course.

e. The IC3 is not a prerequisite for any local or international advanced computer course.

f. Even someone who is not a former laureate would wonder whether a merchant who offers a 95 % discount (as is the case with the advanced computer courses) would not have at best inflated the price prior to announcing the discount.

<B>Paul HAN