(a) whether the Government is running any programme for NRI youths to make them more acquainted with India;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to provide some special facilities to NRI youths; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Under the Internship Programme for the Diaspora Youth (IPDY), overseas Indian youth in the
age group 18-25 are given an opportunity to spend three weeks in India to interact with a
cross-section of Governmental, private and non-Governmental organizations in various development
sectors as also visit tourist sites and meet common people. Interns bear the cost of international
travel. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs bears the cost of boarding, lodging and internal travel.
Partner States provides local hospitality.
(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) IPDY is being consolidated and expended as a regular scheme of the Ministry of Overseas Indian
Affairs to cover at least three to four batches of interns every year.