(a) Whether the External Affairs Ministry is observing Videsh Sampark outreach programme;
(b) if so, the results achieved out of it; and
(c) whether the Government proposes to revamp this program for the future and if so, the details thereof?
(a) Whether the External Affairs Ministry is observing Videsh Sampark outreach programme;
(b) if so, the results achieved out of it; and
(c) whether the Government proposes to revamp this program for the future and if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]
(a) & (b) Yes. Videsh Sampark Programme was started by the Ministry in order to work closely with the State Governments, in a spirit of cooperative federalism. We are engaging regularly and working closely with the State Governments in organising Videsh Sampark Programmes in various States. The objective of the programme is to connect effectively with the State Governments and inform them about our Ministry''s programmes and schemes for overseas Indians, migration and mobility, passport and consular initiatives, diaspora issues, trade and investment promotions. Since May 2017, six outreach programmes have been organised in partnership with the State Governments of Telangana, Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
(c) Yes. Starting with the Videsh Sampark programme in Karnataka, held on 26 February 2020, the Ministry has included a new initiative featuring trade and investment promotion, in addition to elements discussed during earlier programmes.
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