(a) the details of the programmes held/proposed to be organised by the Ministry on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in India and abroad;
(b) the present status of the program along with the steps taken during the last one year and proposed to be taken for successfully organising these programmes till completion of the Mahotsav; and
(c) the expenditure incurred/to be incurred thereon?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SMT. MEENAKASHI LEKHI]
(a) & (b) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) is an initiative to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of India’s independence. It follows ‘Whole of Government’ approach with special emphasis on involvement of citizens/diaspora in the form of ‘Jan-bhagidari’. The Ministry of External Affairs through Indian Missions/Posts abroad, commenced AKAM celebrations from 12 March 2021. The celebrations have started 75 weeks before 15 August, 2022 and shall continue up to 15 August, 2023.
Till date, over 6000 events have been organised by Indian Missions/Posts abroad to commemorate AKAM. There has been enthusiastic participation of Indian Diaspora, Friends of India, Local Government and prominent individuals at AKAM events.
The ministry celebrated its Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Iconic Week from 21 to 27 February, 2022, during which a series of commemorative events and activities were organised by the Ministry across the country. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Regional Passport Offices, Protector of Emigrants, and Branch Secretariats located across the nation organised over 200 events with participation of various local stakeholders. During this week, the Ministry also organised events in partnership with Pune International Centre, RIS, Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), EdCIL and resident foreign missions of Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and UK.
(c) There has been no separate budgetary allocation to the MEA for organising AKAM events.
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