(a) whether the Government has taken steps for bringing the mortal remains of Indians from abroad to their hometown in India; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
(a) whether the Government has taken steps for bringing the mortal remains of Indians from abroad to their hometown in India; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]
(a) & (b) Yes, the Government through its Missions/ Posts abroad provides all assistance for bringing the mortal remains of Indians from abroad to their hometowns in India.
Our Missions/Posts remain in constant touch with the next of kin of the deceased Indian nationals to facilitate the transportation or local burial/ cremation of the mortal remains in accordance with the wishes of the family of the deceased and local regulations. Our Missions/ Posts also liaise with the foreign officials concerned to expedite procedures for the repatriation of mortal remains to India and extend all possible assistance to the family of the deceased.
Financial support to families of deceased Indian nationals for airlifting of mortal remains is made available by Indian Missions/ Posts abroad in deserving cases on a means tested basis under the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).
As per information available with the Ministry, mortal remains of 14,312 Indian nationals from 125 countries have been brought back to India since 2016 till May 31, 2019.
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