Question : Know India Programme

(a) the number of youths who took part in the 54th Know India Programme ;

(b) the objective of organizing such a programme alongwith criteria fixed by Government for selection of nomination along with the funds allocated and spent for this programme ;

(c) the number of such events organized by the Government since 2004 and achievements made so far ;

(d) whether the number of participants under the above programme has come down over the last few years;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore during the last three years; and

(f) the manner in which the Ministry is planning to improve the programme for Indians abroad?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) 40 participants.

(b) The Know India Programme (KIP) is an important initiative of the Government of India which aims to engage and make the students and young professionals of Indian diaspora in the age group of 18-30 years feel a sense of connect with their motherland and to be motivated and inspired by the transformations taking place in India. The programme also aims to give them an exposure to India’s diverse forms of art, heritage, and culture as well as to India’s progress in various fields such as Industry, Education, Science & Technology, Information & Communication Technology etc.

The selection of the participants is based on the following eligibility criteria :-

(i) Age : 18-30 years.

(ii) Previous Participation : The applicant should not have earlier visited India through any of the Government funded Schemes.

(iii) Educational Qualification : Minimum graduation from a recognized University / Institute or enrolled for graduation.

(iv) Language : The applicants should be able to speak in English.

An amount of Rs. 6.00 crore has been allocated by the Government of India for this Scheme for the current FY 2019-20. An amount of Rs. 1.10 crore has already been incurred under the said Scheme till now.

(c) Since 2004, the GoI has conducted 56 editions of KIP with the participation of 1941 participants and participants of 57th edition are presently in India. 58th and 59th editions of KIP will be conducted in the months of December, 2019 and January, 2020 within this FY.

(d) No.

(e) NA.

(f) The Ministry of External Affairs had sought comments / views from various Ministries / Departments of the GoI in order to improve the Know India Programme. Important suggestions received from these Ministries / Departments have been incorporated with the view to improve the KIP. In addition, the Ministry has also taken several steps to attract Indian youth diaspora such as organizing visits to scientific institutions like BARC, ISRO, Nuclear Power Plant etc., organizing of KIP LOGO Contest & Incredible India Photo contest, providing KIP T-shirts to participants, increased Social Media Presence etc.

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