India has considerable experience in undertaking operations on evacuations. The growing political influence and economic contributions of Indian Diaspora in overseas countries have led to an increase in incentives offered. They have made sure that future activities that are associated with evacuation initiatives are more successful. India's Diaspora realizes considerable growth hence indicating that India will encounter growing challenges in safeguarding the interests of the geographically diverse and dispersed population. In overcoming these issues, the government of India is embarking on initiatives geared toward introducing best practices, which will strengthen its military and diplomatic capabilities, hence boost coordination efforts. These moves are aimed at ensuring that the Diaspora remained attached to their country and supported its different courses to progress. Additionally, estimates reveal that Indian Diaspora is the second biggest globally and has managed to diversify worldwide presence. The Diaspora comprises of more than 20 million people who are dispersed in over 200 nations worldwide, whereas the highest concentrations are in South Africa, Malaysia, United States, and the Middle East. The Diaspora has risen in numbers as well as started realizing global recognition owing to the unique contributions they are making to the host nations, including semi-skilled or skilled labor force in Gulf countries or experienced experts and technocrats from India. The Indian Diaspora members also play a significant role in rallying political backing for their country of origin concerning issues of pressing concerns within India. Owing to the notable attraction that India Diaspora are gaining globally based on their significant contributions, the government of the country has introduced various initiatives aimed to meet the diverse needs of Indian residents based in foreign nations. Thus, the paper discusses the different contributions by the government of India that are mostly directed toward the Indian Diaspora.
The ICWF (Indian Community Welfare Fund) is one of the major programs that the government has introduced for the Indians in overseas countries. ICWF aims at offering a variety of services in cases that appear as most deserving. To begin with, it seeks lodging as well as boarding distressed Indian Diaspora employees in domestic/household industries as well as laborers lacking any skills. Secondly, it broadens emergency healthcare to poor Indians abroad. Thirdly, it offers air travel to Indians in case they are stranded. Fourthly, it provides legal help to poor Indians. Fifthly, it spends on incidents as well as in airlifting or remains of deceased people to India as well as facilitates in burial or cremation of deceased Indians, especially in instances where sponsors do not show willingness or are incapable of performing the act as well as in situations where the family cannot meet the expenses. Sixthly, it offers a means for paying penalties in case Indians reside in host countries illegally especially when the affected employees are not guilty. Seventhly, ICWF facilitates in small penalties/fines' payment to assist the release of detained Indians. In funding for the ICWF scheme, the funds come from the finances that Indian Missions raise, charity contributions by the Indian population, as well as India's government budgetary support.
The MGPSY (Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana) scheme revolves around fund meant for Pension and Life Insurance that targets Indian Diaspora having ECR (Emigration Check Required) passports. MGPSY major role is to enable as well as encourage Indian Diaspora employees by offering government contribution to allow them to save for old age, Return and Resettlement (R&R), and in permitting them to acquire life insurance that can permit them to safeguard against natural death when they are under coverage. The government makes MGPSY contributions for five years or until the covered employees return to India.
Moreover, the PBBY (Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana) is an initiative by the government of India that serves as a compulsory scheme of Insurance targeting Indian workers in overseas countries who have ECR passports while visiting ECR nations. Regarding this form of insurance coverage, a sum of around Rs. 10.00 is payable to legal/nominee's heir. It applies if an Indian emigrant dies or is permanently disabled while abroad for employment reasons. Here, they should have acquired emigration clearance from the relevant POE (Protector of Emigrants). Also, upon death, apart from the dead body's transportation cost, the insurance firm also issues the cost of one-way fare by air of a personal attendant.
The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card program is also an initiative by the government that targets the Indian Diaspora. The scheme was initially introduced through the 1955 Citizenship Act's amendment in 2005, although it started its operations in January 2006. For the registered OCIs, they are offered an OCI certificate of registration as well as a lifelong permit to visit India. The OCIs are usually exempted from registering with Foreigners Regional Registration Office irrespective how long they wish to stay in India. They are also offered intangible equality with Non-Resident Indians to all the facilities they can access including financial, economic, and educational, apart from issues associated with the acquisition of plantation or agricultural properties. Nevertheless, it is essential to notify specific benefits under the Act's section 7B (1). However, OCI does not serve as "dual citizenship" although the registered individuals are entitled to avail themselves for tests such as All India Premedical Test.
Additionally, the KIP (Know India Program) aims assisting in familiarizing Diaspora youth (between 18 and 26 years) with the achievements and developments that the country has made as well as ensure they get closer to their ancestors land. KIP offers a unique form that targets youth professionals and students who originated from India to come to India, share their anticipations, viewpoints, and experiences, as well as establish bonds with the modern India. The content of the program comprises of various materials. Firstly, it gives information concerning Indian presentations, political process, as well as the Constitution among others. Secondly, it provides ways of interacting with students and faculty at prestigious institutes, colleges, and universities. Thirdly, it entails presentations concerning the development of the industry as well as permits them to visit several industries. Fourthly, they visit villages to allow them to understand the state of a typical village in India. Fifthly, it exposes the Indian Diaspora to Indian cinema and media. Sixthly, it permits them to interact with organizations and NGOs that deal with issues that target women. Seventhly, they are provided with opportunities for visiting places that are of historical importance or even monuments. Eighthly, they take part in cultural programs as well as subjected to Yoga. Lastly, they are provided with opportunities for meeting with high dignitaries in India such as the Chief Commissioner, the President, Auditor General, Comptroller, as well as ministers responsible for issues such as Sports, Youth Affairs, and Overseas Indian Affairs. In this sense, the scheme targets orienting Indian Diaspora with diverse activities taking place within the country.
Also, the Indian government also supports the SIP (Study India Program), which targets abroad Indian youth to pursue short-term courses in Indian universities hence allow them to familiarize with the heritage, history, culture, art, economic development, and socio-political activities taking place in India among other issues. The program's focus is research and academic orientation. In this case, the Government of India bears the costs associated with lodging, boarding, local transportation, program fee, and 90 percent of the air ticket cost. The participants are also provided with Gratis Visas by the Missions of India.
Furthermore, the SPDC (Scholarship Program for Diaspora Children) is a scheme introduced during the 2006-2007 academic year. The project grants 100 scholarships amounting to not more than $4,000 annually. The NRI and PIO students are offered the awards, mostly those taking courses in Technology/Engineering, Liberal Arts/Humanities, Journalism, Management, Animal Husbandry/Agriculture, and Hotel Management among other courses. The Ed. CIL (Educational Consultants India Limited) implements the program. OCIs, PIOs, and NRIs from over 40 countries can access the scheme, particularly if the countries in which they reside have significant Indian Diaspora individuals. Also, the MOIA introduced the "Tracing the Roots" plan in 2008 with the goal of allowing PIOs to trace their Indian roots.
Furthermore, the Scheme for Financial/Legal Assistance divorced or deserted by their NRI husbands is also a major initiative by the government. The scheme targets offering financial/legal assistance to women o India whose estranged/Indian men deter them or they are encountering divorce proceedings in abroad nations. Help is provided with the goal of meeting legal as well as other costs by Indian Posts/Mission heads in overseas countries. These are carried out via women associations, Indian Community Associations, and NGOs that act to represent the women in foreign legal institutions.
Lastly, the PBSA (Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards) is a program conferred to PIO (Person of Indian Origin), NRI (Non-Resident Indian) or an institution or organization created as well as operated by POIs or NRIs who have made notable contributions to various fields in India. Firstly, they should have a significant understanding of India while abroad. Secondly, they should support the concerns and causes of India in a tangible manner. Thirdly, they should have the capacity to establish closer relationships between India as well as the expatriate Indian community and the country they are residing. Fourthly, they should support humanitarian and social causes within India and abroad. Fifthly, they should be affiliated with the Indian community's welfare. Sixthly, they should be involved with charitable and philanthropic work. Seventhly, they should dominate their field or portray outstanding work to enhance prestige in their host country. Lastly, they should possess relevant skills that can improve the prestige of India in their host country, especially in the case of non-professional employees.
In conclusion, it is apparent that the Indian government has targeted the Indian Diaspora population with diverse initiatives aimed at linking them with the country as well as the locals. The Indian community is having considerable influence in different parts of the world, including political, cultural, social, and economic. In this sense, the government has seen a need to support the population through diverse mechanisms with the goal of reaping certain benefits from them while at the same time ensuring that their stay in foreign nations is peaceful, productive, and healthy. It also ensures they remain loyal to their country. In this perspective, therefore, Indian Diaspora has shown considerable interest in their country while also improving their connections with Indian nationals situated at home and in other parts of the world.
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