(a) whether the government has laid down certain guidelines with regard
to gifts received by WIPs in foreign countries;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether such gifts become personal property of the recipient;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the details of gifts received by the WIPs during the last three
years, year-wise and country-wise?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI ANAND SHARMA)
(a)& (b) Yes.Gifts received by WIPs from foreign countries are governed by Foreign Contribution
(Acceptance or Retention of Gifts or Presentations) Regulations, - 1978 as amended from time to
time.
(c)& (d) Gifts valued upto Rs. 5000/- can be retained by the recipient. If the value of the gift
is more than Rs. 5000/-,it can be retained by the recipient after payment of excess value to the
government or else it is required to be deposited in the Toshakhana in Ministry of External
Affairs. Value of the gifts is assessed by a customs appraiser who is invited to assess the
same periodically.
(e) Details of the gifts received by WIPs during the last three years are as follows:
Year Total No. of Gifts Received
2006 39 2007 63 2008 43