(a) The details of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Programme implemented
by the Government;
(b)The manner in which the said programme has benefited India;
(c) Whether the Government has made any study regarding the impact of
this programme;
(d) If so, the findings thereof;
(e) Whether the Government proposes to dispense with the participation fee
by States which are attending the plenary session; and
(f) If so, the details in this regard?
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) & (b): Programmes launched during the fourth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
organized from 7th - 9th January, 2006 at Hyderabad and being implemented
include the following:
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme was launched and the first two
OCI documents handed over by Prime Minister to Persons of Indian Origin.
A more liberal Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana-2006 for the benefit of the Overseas
Indian Workers was launched. So also an easy to use Integrated Electronic
Remittance facility and is expected to be fully operational from the next financial
year. A MOU was signed between the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and
American Association of Physicians of Indian origin in healthcare in rural areas
and is expected to be operational in due course.
A scholarship scheme for the children of NRIs/PIOs from countries where there
is a sizeable PIO/NRI population and less opportunities for higher education and
to publicize India as an educational hub, is being implemented from the academic
year 2006-2007.
(c)& (d): No. Does not arise.
(e)& (f) : No. Does not arise.