Policy Update
Sumit Dahiphale
Background
The Ministry of External Affairs of India oversees India’s foreign policy. Its key responsibilities include promoting bilateral relations, protecting national interests, fostering cultural exchange, and reporting on international developments. Based in India, the Ministry of External Affairs oversees such activities and ensures the effective implementation of foreign policy.
Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers play a pivotal role in addressing these global matters. Established in 1946 to represent India internationally, the IFS was created by merging the Foreign and Political departments of the British Indian government. The first batch of IFS officers joined in 1948, recruited through the Civil Service examination. The IFS has been recruiting officers through this method ever since, ensuring a steady stream of talented individuals dedicated to serving India’s diplomatic interests.
MEA also runs programs and schemes for the welfare of Indian citizens. The reason behind the scheme and program is to engage with the Indian diaspora abroad, connect with other nationals, promote culture and increase India’s soft power across the world.
Schemes and Programs
1) Passport Seva Project (PSP)
The Passport Seva Project (PSP) was launched by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in 2010 to improve the delivery of passport services in India. It is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project with Tata Consultancy Services. The project aims to provide simple, efficient, and transparent passport services to Indian citizens through a nationwide network.
2) Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)
The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme was launched during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2006 at Hyderabad. This scheme is for people of Indian origin who are not citizens of India (except Pakistan and Bangladesh). It offers a lifetime, multiple-entry visa to visit India. OCI cardholders are not considered Indian citizens and cannot vote or hold public office, but they do get some benefits like:
- Exemption from registering with local authorities in India
- Similar treatment to Non-Resident Indians in economic, financial, and educational areas (except land ownership)
- Ability to work in certain professions in India (after passing qualifying exams)
- Easier adoption of Indian children
The Know India Programme (KIP) is a three-week trip to India for young people between 21 to 35 years of age with Indian heritage living abroad, which aims to connect them to their roots. The government funds a program that explores Indian politics, economy, history, and culture through visits to historical sites, universities, and businesses.
The “Know Goa Programme” (KGP) is a yearly event organized by the Government of Goa for young people (18-30 years old) of Goan heritage living abroad. The program includes trips to Delhi and Agra. Twelve editions of KGP have been successfully conducted so far. Its underlying purpose is to foster deeper understanding of Goan and Indian culture and traditions among the participants.
5) Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC)
The Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) provides scholarships of up to US $ 4,000 per year to children of PIOs, NRIs, and Indian workers in ECR countries. These scholarships can be used for tuition, hostel, admission fees, and other fees (except food) for undergraduate courses in engineering, technology, humanities, liberal arts, commerce, management, journalism, hotel management, agriculture, animal husbandry, and some other fields.
6) Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK)
The Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) is a center dedicated to promoting connections between India and its diaspora. It was established in 2004 and is located in New Delhi. The PBK offers various activities and services related to the diaspora, including a museum, auditorium, conference halls, library, and autonomous bodies. It aims to be a hub for economic, social, and cultural engagement between India and its diaspora.
The Bharat Ko Janiye (BKJ) is a quiz competition for overseas Indians and foreigners aged 18-35. It aims to increase their knowledge about India. Winners of the quiz get to visit India and receive awards. The quiz is held online and is open to all foreigners, PIOs, and NRIs. It was launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention.
8) Students Registration Portal
Indian students studying abroad can register on a voluntary portal launched in July 2015. This helps the government track student populations, improve grievance redressal systems, and contact students during emergencies.
For Registration visit:- https://madad.gov.in/AppConsular/welcomeLink
9) Marital Issues of Indian nationals married to overseas Indians
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) helps Indian women married to overseas Indians who face issues like abandonment, delayed visas, harassment, or divorce. They provide legal advice, counseling, and assistance through various channels, including MADAD and CPGRAM portals, walk-in sessions, and social media. Financial and legal aid may be available through the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).
For Registration visit:- https://madad.gov.in/AppConsular/welcomeLink
10) Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC), Migrant Resource Centres (MRC)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) now oversees the support services for Indian workers going abroad, previously handled by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA). Their Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) and Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) offer comprehensive assistance, ranging from finding trustworthy recruiting agents to navigating visa processes and providing support during crises. These centers are located in Gurgaon, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Lucknow.
For more details:- https://www.mea.gov.in/images/pdf/owrc-and-mrc.pdf
11) Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) runs Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayta Kendra (PBSK) to help Indians going abroad for work. PBSK acts as a one-stop shop for information and assistance, including a 24/7 helpline. They address concerns and complaints from workers and their families.
PBSK locations:
- UAE: PBSK Dubai
- Saudi Arabia: Embassy of India, Riyadh
- Consulate General of India, Jeddah
- Malaysia: High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur
12) Compensation Claims for Indians who died Abroad
Compensation depends on the cause of death (workplace accident, natural cause) and insurance coverage (if any). The document also offers guidance on retrieving outstanding salary, bank balance, and belongings of the deceased.
13) Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY)
The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) is a mandatory insurance scheme for Indian migrant workers going overseas. It provides coverage for accidental death/disability, medical expenses, repatriation, and family benefits. The scheme is now more comprehensive and offers online renewal and simplified claim settlement.
14) Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)
The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) provides financial assistance to Indian nationals in distress abroad. It covers various needs like lodging, legal aid, medical care, repatriation, and community welfare activities. Indian Missions and Posts abroad can use ICWF funds to support Indian citizens facing difficulties in their host countries.
15) Transfer of Mortal Remains
The Indian Embassy can assist in repatriating the mortal remains of Indian nationals who die abroad. Necessary documents include a death certificate, police report, consent letter, passport copy, and clearance certificates. The process may take longer for unnatural deaths due to local investigations. The Embassy liaises with local authorities to expedite the process and can also arrange transportation if needed, potentially on a means-tested basis.
16) Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is a biennial event honoring the Indian diaspora’s contributions to India’s development. Established in 2003, it’s celebrated on January 9th. The event has been held in various Indian cities and ten regional PBD conferences have been held worldwide to reach a broader diaspora.
17) Suborno Jayanti Scholarships
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bangladesh in March 2021, 1000 Suborno Jayanti Scholarships were announced to attract the brightest talents. The scholarships, divided equally between ICCR and ITEC, aim to foster stronger ties between India and Bangladesh through education and collaboration.
18) ASEAN-India Science & Technology Cooperation
ASEAN-India Science & Technology Cooperation began in 1996 with the establishment of the ASEAN India S&T Working Group (AIWGST). The ASEAN-India S&T Development Fund (AISTDF) supports R&D projects and activities between India and ASEAN. Several projects have been implemented, including collaborative R&D, training programs, and participation in the National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC). Future plans include continued R&D collaborations, research fellowships, and participation in the ASEAN-India Innovation Platform.
Way forward
In conclusion, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) provides schemes and services for the welfare of Indian residents and for those who live abroad. It includes scholarship, guidance, documentation, etc. Additionally, the MEA conducts events and programs to promote Indian culture and tradition worldwide. And engage with other nations to build people-to-people connections.
References
- MEA, Background – https://www.mea.gov.in/about-mea.htm
- About Passport Seva – https://portal2.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/knowPassportSeva
- Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme – https://www.mea.gov.in/overseas-citizenship-of-india-scheme.htm
- Know India Programme – https://www.mea.gov.in/know-india-programme.htm
- Know Goa Programme – https://www.mea.gov.in/know-goa-programme.htm
- Scholarship Programmes for Diaspora Children – https://www.mea.gov.in/spdc.htm
- PRAVASI BHARTIYA KENDRA (PBK) – https://www.mea.gov.in/images/attach/pravasi_bhartiya_kendra_new_new.pdf
- Bharat ko Jaaniye Online Quiz (BKJ) – https://www.mea.gov.in/bkj.htm
- Students Registration Portal – https://www.mea.gov.in/Students-Registration-Portal.htm
- Marital Issues of Indian nationals married to overseas Indians – https://www.mea.gov.in/MIINMOI.htm
- Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (Media & Grievance Division) Overseas Workers Resource Centre & Migrant Resource Centres – https://www.mea.gov.in/images/pdf/owrc-and-mrc.pdf
- PRAVASI BHARATIYA SAHAYTA KENDRA OVERVIEW – https://healbyindia.gov.in/static/media/Pravasi_Bharatiya_Sahayta_Kendra_new.a60f4dd4ebb63533b813.pdf
- COMPENDIUM Indian Nationals who died Abroad Procedures for Filing Compensation Claims – https://www.mea.gov.in/images/pdf/compendium.pdf
- Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana, 2017 – https://www.mea.gov.in/pbby.htm
- Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)- https://www.mea.gov.in/icwf.htm
- Transfer of Mortal Remains – https://www.mea.gov.in/transfer-of-mortal-remains.htm
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas – https://www.mea.gov.in/pravasi-bharatiya-divas.htm
- About SJS – https://sjsdhaka.gov.in/sjs_pages/Mg
- About Us , ASEAN-India – https://aistic.gov.in/ASEAN/HomePage
About the Contributor : Sumit Dahiphale is a Research intern at the Impact and Policy Research Institute, pursuing a BA in International Journalism. His research interests lie in Geopolitics, Defense and International Affairs.
Acknowledgement : The author would like to thank Naushaba and Deepa Baghel for their valuable suggestions on the report.
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