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ANNUANNUANNUANNUANNUAL REPORT CONTENTSAL REPORT CONTENTSAL REPORT CONTENTSAL REPORT CONTENTSAL REPORT CONTENTS

India, Diaspora and Migration: An OverIndia, Diaspora and Migration: An OverIndia, Diaspora and Migration: An OverIndia, Diaspora and Migration: An OverIndia, Diaspora and Migration: An Overviewviewviewviewview ....................................................................................................................................... 44444

The MinistrThe MinistrThe MinistrThe MinistrThe Ministry and its Mandate y and its Mandate y and its Mandate y and its Mandate y and its Mandate ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 88888

Diaspora SerDiaspora SerDiaspora SerDiaspora SerDiaspora Servicesvicesvicesvicesvices ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1414141414

Migration Management Migration Management Migration Management Migration Management Migration Management ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2020202020

PPPPPrrrrrotector General of Emigrants otector General of Emigrants otector General of Emigrants otector General of Emigrants otector General of Emigrants ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3232323232

FFFFFinancial Serinancial Serinancial Serinancial Serinancial Servicesvicesvicesvicesvices ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3737373737

Economic Division Economic Division Economic Division Economic Division Economic Division ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4343434343

Budget and FBudget and FBudget and FBudget and FBudget and Financial Rinancial Rinancial Rinancial Rinancial Reviewevieweviewevieweview ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4444444444

Management SerManagement SerManagement SerManagement SerManagement Servicesvicesvicesvicesvices ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4545454545

Contents of AnnexurContents of AnnexurContents of AnnexurContents of AnnexurContents of Annexures, Tes, Tes, Tes, Tes, Tables & Fables & Fables & Fables & Fables & Figurigurigurigurigureseseseses ........................................................................................................................................................... 4747474747

AnnexurAnnexurAnnexurAnnexurAnnexureseseseses ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4848484848

TTTTTablesablesablesablesables ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5353535353

FFFFFigurigurigurigurigureseseseses ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6161616161

AbbrAbbrAbbrAbbrAbbreviationseviationseviationseviationseviations .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6464646464

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INDIA, DIASPORA ANDMIGRATION: AN OVERVIEW

India is one of the pioneers in recognising theimportance of its overseas population andestablishing an institutional framework for asustainable and mutually beneficialengagement with its Diaspora. By creating anindependent Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs,India has given mainstream attention to itsestimated 25 million strong Overseas Indiancommunity. The experience gained from bilateraland multilateral engagement with the Diaspora,and with migration related institutions has helpedus develop appropriate and well-calibratedinstitutional responses both for Diasporaengagement and migration management.

INDIA AND ITS DIAINDIA AND ITS DIAINDIA AND ITS DIAINDIA AND ITS DIAINDIA AND ITS DIASPORASPORASPORASPORASPORA

The Indian Diaspora, comprising People ofIndian origin and Non-Resident Indians, as Indiaitself, constitutes a heterogeneous and globalcommunity, representing diversity of forms, types,geographies and times of formation. It, therefore,requires diverse and distinct approaches to engagethem and connect with India. The common threadthat binds them together is the idea of India andits intrinsic values.

Historically, the dispersion of people fromIndia and the formation of Indian Diasporacommunities is the result of different waves ofmigration over hundreds of years driven by avariety of reasons: slavery under mercantilism,indentured labour under colonisation, and guestwork programmes post colonialism. Thistransnational engagement of people, riding onthe processes of globalisation has been reinforcedthrough global networks of families, friends and

businesses, which are symbiotic and which enablethe exchange of shared ideas of cultural, socialand economic interests.

In retrospect, the formation of the IndianDiaspora makes up an engaging saga of trials,tribulations and the eventual triumph ofdetermination and hard work. It pleases all Indianswhen the Overseas Indian community is respectedfor its work culture, discipline, and successfulintegration with the local community as much asbeing counted for its outstanding contributions intheir countries of residence. This communityhaving overcome considerable adversityrepresents an eminently successful Diaspora inthe host countries with several of its representativesoccupying leadership positions there. We couldlook at them as a significant strategic resourcefor India as they have considerably added toknowledge, innovation and development acrossthe globe.

Contemporary flows from India are of twokinds: The first is the emigration of highly skilledprofessionals, workers and students with tertiaryand higher educational qualifications migratingto developed countries, particularly to the USA,UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Thisflow started after Indian independence andgathered momentum with the emigration of ITprofessional in the 1990s. The second is the flowof unskilled and semi-skilled workers going mostlyto the Gulf countries and Malaysia, following theoil boom in the Gulf countries, mainly from Keralaand other south Indian states. Of late, howevernorthern states in India like Uttar Pradesh andBihar have also emerged as the leading states oforigin for such migration.

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Put together, these migratory flows haveresulted in diverse communities of people of Indianorigin in various parts of the world: East Asia, theMiddle-East Asia, South and Eastern Africa,Europe, North America, Australia, the northern partof South America and the Caribbean Islands. Thesedistinct communities of people of Indian origin aswell as-Indian nationals living abroad constitute thevast Indian Diaspora. There is no singlehomogeneous Overseas Indian community; thereexist diversities within them, including in the leveland degree of their engagement with India, definedby the lapse of time, generations and distance thatseparate them from their country of origin.

The Diasporas provide important links andcontact points between home and host societiesby building transnational networks which transactnot only emotional and familial bonds, but alsocultural, social and economic interests. Withadvances in information technology and cheapertransport services, the Diaspora, as compared tosituations prevailing earlier, are able to maintainconnections with people and networks back homemore effectively. Such Diaspora associations inhost countries impact and influence localbusinesses, even political decisions, thereby

ensuring a friendlier environment and outcomesfor the existing and prospective migrants. At thesame time, these Diaspora associations also helpto channel remittances, capital and investmentsto benefit not only home communities, but alsoby developing partnerships with host countrycounterparts, benefiting both. The same can besaid of the exchange of skills, cuisines, ideas,knowledge and technology.

As such, we can assume that such exchangesbetween host and home countries, leveragedthrough the Diaspora, are never unidirectional ortemporary or limited in scope. What remains awork in progress, however, is the formation ofmechanisms or patterns to engage the Diasporasto its full potential.

We cherish our relationship with the Indiandiaspora Engaging with the Diaspora in asustainable and mutually rewarding manneracross the economic, social and cultural space isat the heart of the policy of the Ministry. We, asmall team of officers in MOIA, continually seekto create conditions, partnerships and institutionsthat will best enable India to connect with itsDiaspora in a meaningful and mutually rewardingway.

PPPPPrime Minister Drrime Minister Drrime Minister Drrime Minister Drrime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh lighting the cer. Manmohan Singh lighting the cer. Manmohan Singh lighting the cer. Manmohan Singh lighting the cer. Manmohan Singh lighting the ceremonial lamp at the inaugural ceremonial lamp at the inaugural ceremonial lamp at the inaugural ceremonial lamp at the inaugural ceremonial lamp at the inaugural ceremony ofemony ofemony ofemony ofemony ofPBD 2013 at KPBD 2013 at KPBD 2013 at KPBD 2013 at KPBD 2013 at Kochi. Also prochi. Also prochi. Also prochi. Also prochi. Also present aresent aresent aresent aresent are Mre Mre Mre Mre Mr. R. R. R. R. Rajkeswur Pajkeswur Pajkeswur Pajkeswur Pajkeswur Purururururrrrrryag, Pyag, Pyag, Pyag, Pyag, Prrrrresident of Mauritius andesident of Mauritius andesident of Mauritius andesident of Mauritius andesident of Mauritius and

Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri VMinister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri VMinister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri VMinister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri VMinister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Rayalar Rayalar Rayalar Rayalar Raviaviaviaviavi

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Such engagement has to take into accountthe fact that it is not necessary for all OverseasIndians to be a part of the development process.Not all of them need to make financialcontributions, nor do they need to relocate toIndia. These 'Global Indians' can serve as bridgesby providing access to markets, sources ofinvestment, expertise, knowledge and technology;they can shape, by their informed participation,the discourse on migration and development, andhelp articulate the need for policy coherence inthe countries of destination and origin.

All of this requires not only the home countryto establish conditions and institutions for asustainable, symbiotic and mutually rewardingengagement with the Diaspora-which are centralto our programmes and activities; but for theDiaspora to project themselves as intrinsicallymotivated and progressive communities as well.

INDIA AND MIGRAINDIA AND MIGRAINDIA AND MIGRAINDIA AND MIGRAINDIA AND MIGRATIONTIONTIONTIONTIONGlobalisation has been a major factor

influencing the international movement of peopleand for the growth of transnational communities.It is estimated that 215 million people, constitutingabout 3 percent of the world's population, liveoutside their native countries (IOM 2010). Thetop 20 countries of migrant origin accounted forover half of all international migration flows in2008, with China, Poland, India and Mexico atthe top of the list (OECD 2010).

A wide range of considerations shape thepublic discourse on international migration: thegrowing mobility of labour in a globalisingeconomy, emerging population and demographicdynamics, integration issues as well as enhancedsecurity concerns. It is difficult to envision a worldprogressively integrating with the flow of capital,goods and services without some movement ofpeople. The question is no longer whether to allowmigration, but rather how to manage migrationeffectively to enhance its positive aspects. Thechallenge is to maximise the benefits frommigration and transform it into a win-all processfor the countries of origin, destination and themigrants themselves. Yet, realities, such as internalconcern and economic downturns, the barriersto the movement of people also crop up.

In India, the migratory flows of the both skilledand the unskilled, have undergone changes due

to the pervasive economic restructuring underglobalization that creates opportunities as well aschallenges. In the case of unskilled migrants, thepolicy responses from public administration, bothin the countries of origin and destination, towardssafe and adequate legal protection to themigrants, continue to maintain its salience. Atthe same time, limiting the scope of irregularmigration primarily by ensuring transparentsystems and regulation for the transnationalmovement of people continues as a work inprogress. While there are scattered good practicesinternationally, these need not onlydocumentation but also customised applicationand wider replication.

While there is a growing recognition of theopportunities that migration offers for economicgrowth, development and stability in host andhome countries; the public perception of migrantsremains hostage to powerful and misinformedassumptions and negative stereotypes of migrantsin host countries. Lower skilled migrants, inparticular, are often seen as displacing localworkers and abusing social welfare systems andthis mistrust grows with economic insecurity.Following the global economic downturn, thediscourse on migration has again become victimto populist and ill-informed debate with rising anti-immigrant sentiments spouted by fringe partiesin many countries. Even amongst moderates, theissue of integration of the overseas communitywith the host society continues to be a concern.

The truth is that migrants of all skill levelsconsiderably contribute to societies. They spawncreativity, nourish the human spirit and spureconomic growth. They bring diversity, provideinnovation and bring about economicdevelopment and growth in the host societies.

Even by a modest liberalisation of thetemporary movement of persons to provideservices under Mode 4 of the General Agreementon Trade in Services (GATS)-which by all accountsis only a small percentage of annual cross-bordermovements-has been projected to produce annualglobal welfare gains of between US$150 billionto US$200 billion, outstripping gains expectedfrom a further liberalization of the trade in services.Despite the potential benefits of liberalizing thetemporary movement of persons under GATSMode 4, most countries have made relativelylimited commitments under Mode 4, for reasons

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brought out above. Thus, there remains asubstantial incoherence between the trade andmigration regimes (both within and betweencountries).

One misinformed assumption is thatmigration takes place primarily in a South-Northdirection. The current data indicates that morethan 40 percent of migration takes place betweendeveloping countries. This is likely to strengthenas developing countries grow at a faster rate.India itself is as much a country of origin as thatof destination and transit: a fact which places usin a unique position in the discourse on humanresource mobility. It is in this context that MOIAengages with a wide range of academia tocollaborate on empirical and analytical work toenable evidence-based policymaking.

Therefore, there is as much a need to fosterinternational cooperation amongst countries oforigin and destination, as also for greater policycoherence amongst various departments ofgovernment, to enhance our ability to managemigration better in the medium to long term. Theapproach has been to work towards building aconsensus that can transform migration into anorderly and mutually beneficial economic processthat is a win-all for all stakeholders in both the

countries of origin and destination. India is wellplaced to contribute to developing a robust,harmonious and efficient migration framework.

The primary motivation for migration iseconomic and, at the heart of migrationmanagement, is the imperative to maximise thedevelopment impact of international migration forall. The scale and spread of the Indian experienceof managing Migration as well as Developmentand the intimate interplay of these two complexprocesses is substantial. With the second-largestoverseas population, its status as the country thatreceives amongst the highest remittances, itsexperience in effectively addressing the problemsof poverty, inequality and unemployment in anunfailingly democratic manner, India can providethe much needed impetus to meaningfullyreinforce the symbiotic development-migrationparadigm.

India exemplifies the strengths of a large,tolerant, secular, live democracy with a pluralisticsociety in which people of different faiths,languages, ethnicities and political persuasionsco-exist and thrive. Indeed, this milieu is the 'sinequa non' of any society that can create conditionsfor positive migratory movements and labourmobility for the benefit of all.

Shri VShri VShri VShri VShri Vayalar Rayalar Rayalar Rayalar Rayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Mravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Mravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Mravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Mravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Mr. Edwar. Edwar. Edwar. Edwar. Edward Fd Fd Fd Fd Fast, Minister ofast, Minister ofast, Minister ofast, Minister ofast, Minister ofInterInterInterInterInternational Tnational Tnational Tnational Tnational Trade and Minister for the Asia-Prade and Minister for the Asia-Prade and Minister for the Asia-Prade and Minister for the Asia-Prade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gatewayacific Gatewayacific Gatewayacific Gatewayacific Gateway, Canada signing Social Security, Canada signing Social Security, Canada signing Social Security, Canada signing Social Security, Canada signing Social Security

AgrAgrAgrAgrAgreement between India and Canada on 6th Novembereement between India and Canada on 6th Novembereement between India and Canada on 6th Novembereement between India and Canada on 6th Novembereement between India and Canada on 6th November, 2012 at New Delhi, 2012 at New Delhi, 2012 at New Delhi, 2012 at New Delhi, 2012 at New Delhi

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THE MINISTRY AND ITS MANDATE

I. INTRODUCTIONI. INTRODUCTIONI. INTRODUCTIONI. INTRODUCTIONI. INTRODUCTION

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs(MOIA) aspire to be a one-stop addressfor Overseas Indians. Established in May,2004 as the 'Ministry of Non-Resident Indians'Affairs, it was renamed as the 'Ministry of OverseasIndian Affairs' (MOIA) in September, 2004. TheEmigration Division of the Ministry of Labour andEmployment was attached to the new Ministry inDecember 2004 and now functions as theEmigration Services Division which also has withinthe Protectorate General of Emigrants (PGE). Theerstwhile NRI Division of the Ministry of ExternalAffairs now functions as the Diaspora Division inthe Ministry. The functions allocated to theMinistry is at Annexure-A.

Small and unconventional, the Ministry isheaded by a Cabinet Minister and has fivefunctional divisions: Diaspora Services, FinancialServices, Emigration Services, Economic Divisionand Management Services. A small team of 22officers (Under Secretaries and above) works atthe Ministry in a de-layered and multitask mode,leveraging the power of partnership andoutsourcing.

The Protector General of Emigrants (PGE)administers the Emigration Act, 1983. Heoverseas the field offices of the Protectors ofEmigrants located at Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi,Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai andThiruvananthapuram. The Jaipur office wasopened in 2012.

The Ministry has physical presence in AbuDhabi and Washington in the form of CounsellorsCommunity Development and Community Affairsrespectively.

II. POLICII. POLICII. POLICII. POLICII. POLICY FRAMEWORKY FRAMEWORKY FRAMEWORKY FRAMEWORKY FRAMEWORK

The MOIA is the nodal Ministry for all mattersrelating to Overseas Indians, comprising Persons

of Indian Origin (PIO), Non-Resident Indians(NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of Indian (OCI).India's engagement with its overseas communityhas been mainstreamed with the establishmentof MOIA. Its Mission is to establish a robust andvibrant institutional framework to facilitate andsupport mutually beneficial networks with andamong Overseas Indians to maximise thedevelopment impact for India and enable overseasIndians to invest in and benefit from theopportunities in India.

In accomplishing this mission, the Ministry isguided by four key policy imperatives:• Offer customised solutions to meet the varied

expectations of the Overseas Indiancommunity.

• To bring a strategic dimension to India'sengagement with its Diaspora.

• Tap the investible diasporic community in termsof knowledge and resources in diversifiedeconomic, social and cultural areas.

• Anchor diasporic initiatives in the States.

III.III.III.III.III. INSTITUTIONALINSTITUTIONALINSTITUTIONALINSTITUTIONALINSTITUTIONALARRANGEMENTSARRANGEMENTSARRANGEMENTSARRANGEMENTSARRANGEMENTS

In line with the policy focus of the Ministry, aninstitutional framework has been established thatcan support sustainable engagement with andamong Overseas Indians based on three valuepropositions:• Engaging with multi-skilled, market-driven

entities, promoted by MOIA, and knowledgepartners from the private sector;

• Engaging with States and academicinstitutions as stakeholder partners, asinitiatives related to Overseas Indians have tobe anchored in the States; and

• MOIA to stay small, facilitate activity on theground, and drive policy changes.

To fulfil its mandate, the focus of the Ministryis now strengthening the institutional

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arrangements already established by it to promotesustainable and mutually beneficial engagementbetween Overseas Indians and India across theeconomic, social and cultural spaces. Thefollowing institutional arrangements have beenestablished by the Ministry:

• The PPPPPrime Minister's Global Arime Minister's Global Arime Minister's Global Arime Minister's Global Arime Minister's Global Advisordvisordvisordvisordvisory Councily Councily Councily Councily Council(PMGAC), that serves as a high-level body todraw upon the talent of the best OverseasIndian minds wherever they might reside.

• The India Center for MigrationIndia Center for MigrationIndia Center for MigrationIndia Center for MigrationIndia Center for Migration (ICM), earliercalled Indian Council of OverseasEmployment (ICOE), a not-for-profit society,to serve as a 'strategic think tank on mattersrelating to overseas employment markets forIndians and overseas Indian workers.

• The Overseas Indian FOverseas Indian FOverseas Indian FOverseas Indian FOverseas Indian Facilitation Centracilitation Centracilitation Centracilitation Centracilitation Centreeeee(OIFC), a not-for-profit trust in partnership withthe Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), toserve as a one stop shop for economicengagement, investment and business.

• The India Development FIndia Development FIndia Development FIndia Development FIndia Development Foundationoundationoundationoundationoundation (IDF), anot-for-profit trust to serve as a credible singlewindow to facilitate Diaspora philanthropyand lead Overseas Indian philanthropiccapital into India's social development effort.

• The Global Indian Network of KnowledgeGlobal Indian Network of KnowledgeGlobal Indian Network of KnowledgeGlobal Indian Network of KnowledgeGlobal Indian Network of Knowledge(Global-INK), an electronic platform tofacilitate transfer of knowledge with theobjective of leveraging the expertise, skills andexperience of Overseas Indians.

• Overseas Indian CentrOverseas Indian CentrOverseas Indian CentrOverseas Indian CentrOverseas Indian Centreseseseses (OIC) at the IndianMissions in Washington and Abu Dhabi, tobegin with, to serve as field formations onmatters relating to Overseas Indians.

IVIVIVIVIV PROGRAMMES ANDPROGRAMMES ANDPROGRAMMES ANDPROGRAMMES ANDPROGRAMMES ANDAAAAACTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIESCTIVITIES

Besides dealing with several matters relating toPIOs and NRIs, the Ministry is engaged in severalinitiatives with Overseas Indians in the promotionof trade and investment, emigration, education,culture, health, and science & technology, amongother areas. MOIA has policies, programmes andschemes that seek to meet the varied expectationsand needs of the diverse Overseas Indiancommunity under the following rubric:• Awareness campaign on the risks of illegal

migration• E-governance in Emigration

• India Center for Migration• India Development Foundation of Overseas

Indians• Know India Programme• Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojna• Overseas Citizenship of India• Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre• Overseas Workers Resource Centre• Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas• Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra• Scholarship Scheme for Diaspora Children

Overseas Indian workers constitute animportant segment of the Indian Diaspora.International migration is, therefore, a strategicfocus area for the Ministry. Policy interventions aswell as bilateral cooperation with destinationcountries constitute important focus areas of workof the Ministry. Besides concluding Labour Welfareand Protection Agreements with the Gulf countriesand Malaysia for the benefit of skilled and semi-skilled workers, the Ministry has successfullyentered into bilateral Social Security Agreements(SSA) with Belgium, France, Germany (SocialInsurance and Comprehensive SSA), Switzerland,Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Hungar y,Denmark, Republic of Korea, the Czech Republic,Norway, Finland, Canada, Japan and Sweden.The Ministry is also negotiating bilateral SSAs withcountries in Europe, North America and the AsiaPacific for the benefit of Indian professionals. AnAgreement on Human Resource MobilityPartnership (HRMP) has already been signed withDenmark. The Ministry has initiated the processfor negotiating HRMP agreements to enhanceoverseas employment avenues with theNetherlands, Australia, France, Italy, Norway,Switzerland, Hungar y, Sweden, Belgium,Romania, Mauritius and European Union. It is inthe process of finalising an HRMP with TheNetherlands and France.

In addition, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD),along with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards,continues to be the flagship event of the Ministry.PBD commemorates the return of MahatmaGandhi - the first great Pravasi, from South Africato India to lead a successful non-violent strugglefor India's freedom. This programme also seeksto bring the expertise and knowledge of OverseasIndians on a common platform and integrate itinto the country's development process.

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LOOKING BACK AT 2012-2013

In the past year, India continued to reach outand connect with its vast Diaspora through ahost of schemes, programmes and initiativesbesides effectively carrying out the previousinitiatives in meaningful way. Despite the globaleconomic downturn, India rIndia rIndia rIndia rIndia remained the laremained the laremained the laremained the laremained the largestgestgestgestgestrrrrrecipient of inwarecipient of inwarecipient of inwarecipient of inwarecipient of inward rd rd rd rd remittances for a fourth yearemittances for a fourth yearemittances for a fourth yearemittances for a fourth yearemittances for a fourth yearin a rin a rin a rin a rin a rowowowowow, estimated $ 70 billion by the W, estimated $ 70 billion by the W, estimated $ 70 billion by the W, estimated $ 70 billion by the W, estimated $ 70 billion by the WorldorldorldorldorldBank.Bank.Bank.Bank.Bank. The labour outflow in the Emigration checkrequired category from India amounted to747,000 people in 2012 compared to 626,000in 2011.

The year 2012-2013 has been an eventfuland productive year for the Ministry of OverseasIndian Affairs.

The milestones of the year, in brief, are:

1.1.1.1.1. A protocol on web-based attestation wassigned with the United Arab Emirates on 4April 2012. The Contract Registration andValidation System affords the workers theopportunity to review and approve the termsof the proposed work contract and workingconditions prior departing India and reportingto his/her job thereby ensuring fulltransparency of the contracting process,safeguarding the interest of worker andemployer alike.

2.2.2.2.2. PGE and JS(FS) participated in the Abu DhabiDialogue (ABD) at Manila from 17-19 April,2012 with the theme of "Dialogue amongAsian Countries of Labour Origin andDestination on the Administration of theTemporary Contract Employment Cycle".During this dialogue a range of practical stepsrelated to protection and welfare of workerswere agreed to by both countries of originand destination. It also led to broad-basingthe cooperation pattern under the ABD toimprove the administration of the temporarycontract cycle.

3.3.3.3.3. A pension and life insurance scheme called"Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojna"for the Overseas Indian workers havingEmigration Check required passports hasbeen introduced on a pilot basis in Keralafrom 1st May, 2012. The objective of thescheme is to encourage and enable suchoverseas Indian workers to save for old age,save for their return and Resettlement bygiving government contribution, and obtaina life insurance cover against natural death.

4.4.4.4.4. A delegation was led by Secretary to Kenyato participate in Diaspora Engagement meetorganized by Overseas Indian FacilitationCentre on 13-14 April, 2012 at Nairobi. Themeet was attended by 110 participants.

5.5.5.5.5. An Indian delegation visited Budapest,Hungar y from 21-23 May, 2012 forfinalization of forms of Social SecurityAgreement between India and Hungary.

6.6.6.6.6. An Indian delegation visited Tokyo, Japanfrom 28-31 May, 2012 for Fourth Round ofnegotiations of Social Security Agreementbetween India and Japan.

7.7.7.7.7. The Social Security Agreement between theRepublic of India and Republic of Finlandwas signed on 12th June, 2012.

8.8.8.8.8. The Planning Commission accorded 'inprinciple' approval to the proposed planScheme namely 'Swarnpravas Yojna' to belaunched in the 12th Five year Plan. Thescheme aims to facilitate creation of aframework of internationally acceptablestandards of training, certification etc. so thatIndian youth are able to find employment inthe International market. Outlays to beprovided to MOIA during the 12th Five YearPlan for the Scheme will be decided by thePlanning Commission in due course.

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9.9.9.9.9. The European Union (EU)-India High levelDialogue (HLD) on Migration and Mobilitywas held on 2 July, 2012. The EU side wasled by Mr. Stefano Manservisi, DirectorGeneral, Home Affairs, EuropeanCommission and included representativesfrom the Presidency of the European Union,EU Member States, EU delegation andEuropean External Action service. The Indianside was led by Secretary, MOIA andincluded the representatives of the MOIA,Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of HomeAffairs and India Center for Migration.

10.10.10.10.10. The annual Steering Group meeting of thePrime Minister's Global Advisory Council ofOverseas Indians was held in New Delhi on30 July, 2012.

11.11.11.11.11. Economic Advisor attended the 1st meetingof the 'Core Group on Safe Mobility ofWomen Workers' formed by UN Women inKathmandu on 29 August, 2012. The CoreGroup unanimously elected EA alongwith themember from Bangladesh as Cochairs of theCore Group.

12.12.12.12.12. A conference with the European MemberState was held on 6-7 September, 2012 forfacilitating safe and legal migration andpreventing irregular migration by the IndianCenter for Migration.

13.13.13.13.13. The Sixth Annual Conference of the Headsof Missions was held on 17 September, 2012in New Delhi. The Conference was attendedby heads of Missions from 15 countries,senior officials from other Ministries includingthe Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry ofHome Affairs, Ministr y of Labour andEmployment and the representatives from themajor labour sending States.

14.14.14.14.14. A joint working Group Meeting was held withSultanate of Oman on 11-12 September,2012 in Mumbai to discuss the welfare issuesof the Indian labourers in that country.

15.15.15.15.15. The Fifth Annual Consultation meeting withthe State governments was held on 20-21September, 2012 to discuss issues relatingto Overseas Indians and emigration and asto how best the Ministry could partner withthe State Governments in providing necessarysupport to effectively help address variousconcerns of Overseas Indians.

16.16.16.16.16. PGE visited Cambodia from 3-5 September,2012 for attending the UN Womenconference on International labour Standardsand Women Migrant Workers' Right.

17.17.17.17.17. An Inter-ministerial delegation led bySecretary, MOIA visited France to discusshuman Resource Mobility Partnership from26-28 September, 2012.

18.18.18.18.18. "Study India programme" was launched forthe first time in Symbiosis University, Pune,Maharashtra with participation of youths ofIndian origin from four countries. The youthshad undergone short term course tofamiliarize them with the history, heritage,art, culture, socio-political, economicdevelopments etc. of India.

19.19.19.19.19. Indian delegation led by Joint Secretary,MOIA visited Moscow, Russia from 17-19October, 2012 for Expert Consultations onSocial Security Agreement between India andRussia.

20.20.20.20.20. 6th Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas wasorganized in Mauritius on 27-28 October,2012 to have interaction & discussion withIndian Diaspora to ensure their connectivitywith their ancestral motherland as well as toknow expectations and concerns. Minister,Overseas Indian Affairs gave inauguraladdress in Regional PBD.

21.21.21.21.21. Secretary, MOIA visited Nicosia, Cyprus from30-31 October, 2012 for attending 11thASEM Conference of Director General ofImmigration and Management of MigratoryFlows.

22.22.22.22.22. Economic Advisor attended the 2nd meetingof the UN Women 'Core Group on SafeMobility of women' in Dhaka on 7 November,2012.

23.23.23.23.23. The Social Security Agreement between theRepublic of India and Canada was signedon 6 November, 2012 in New Delhi.

24.24.24.24.24. The Social Security Agreement between theRepublic of India and Japan was signed on16 November, 2012 in Tokyo.

25.25.25.25.25. The Social Security Agreement between theRepublic of India and Sweden was signedon 26 November, 2012 in New Delhi.

26.26.26.26.26. A Japanese delegation visited New Delhifrom 3-5 December, 2012 for negotiation of

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Administrative Arrangement and finalizationof forms.

27.27.27.27.27. The 11th edition of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divasconvention was held at Kochi from 7-9Januar y, 2013. The convention wasorganized in partnership with the StateGovernment of Kerala. It was inauguratedby the Prime Minister on 8 January 2013 andthe valedictory address was delivered by thePresident on 9 January, 2013. The Presidentalso conferred the Pravasi Bhartiya Awardon 15 distinguished PIOs/NRIs. The Hon'blePrime Minister released a stamp on Ghadarmovement. Mr. Rajkeswur Purryag, HisExcellency President of the Republic of theMauritius was the Chief Guest.

28.28.28.28.28. The fourth meeting of the Prime Minister'sGlobal Advisory Council of Overseas Indiansat Kochi was held on 8 January, 2013. PrimeMinister presided over the meeting attendedby cabinet colleagues, distinguishedmembers of the Council and secretaries tothe Government of India.

29.29.29.29.29. PGE and Deputy Secretary (DS) visitedThailand in January, 2013 for attending the

ADBI roundtable conference on Labourmigration in Asia.

30.30.30.30.30. The Social Security Agreement between theRepublic of India and Austria was signed on4 February, 2013 in Vienna.

31.31.31.31.31. During the year, four Know India Programmehas been held so far with participation of 109overseas Youth of Indian origin.

32.32.32.32.32. The Social Security Agreement between theRepublic of India & The Republic of Potugalwas signed on 4th March, 2013.

33.33.33.33.33. The Parliamentary Standing Committee onExternal Affairs meetings on following topics;

i) "Voting Rights to Non- Resident Indians(NRIs)" on 19 January, 2012.

ii) "Problems relating to Overseas IndianWorkers employed in Gulf Countries" on2 July, 2012.

iii) "Reforms in Emigration Systems" on 9November, 2012.

iv) "Problems being faced by Indian Studentsabroad" on 16 November, 2012.

v) "Illegal Human Trafficking from India"on 24 January, 2013.

Shri VShri VShri VShri VShri Vayalar Rayalar Rayalar Rayalar Rayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Mravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Mravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Mravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Mravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Mr. Ulf Kristersson,. Ulf Kristersson,. Ulf Kristersson,. Ulf Kristersson,. Ulf Kristersson,Minister of Social SecurityMinister of Social SecurityMinister of Social SecurityMinister of Social SecurityMinister of Social Security, Sweden on the occasion of signing of, Sweden on the occasion of signing of, Sweden on the occasion of signing of, Sweden on the occasion of signing of, Sweden on the occasion of signing of

Social Security Ageement between India and Sweden on 26th November 2012 at New DelhiSocial Security Ageement between India and Sweden on 26th November 2012 at New DelhiSocial Security Ageement between India and Sweden on 26th November 2012 at New DelhiSocial Security Ageement between India and Sweden on 26th November 2012 at New DelhiSocial Security Ageement between India and Sweden on 26th November 2012 at New Delhi

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DIASPORA SERVICES DIVISION

The Diaspora Services Division deals withall matters relating to Overseas Indianscomprising Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), OverseasCitizenship of India matters, Pravasi BharatiyaDivas, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards,Scholarships to NRI/PIO students in India and newinitiatives to promote interaction of overseasIndians with India in tourism, media, youth affairs,education, culture among other areas.

I.I.I.I.I. VVVVVoting Rights to Non-oting Rights to Non-oting Rights to Non-oting Rights to Non-oting Rights to Non-RRRRResident Indians (NRIs)esident Indians (NRIs)esident Indians (NRIs)esident Indians (NRIs)esident Indians (NRIs)

The Representation of Peoples Amendment Act,2010 has been passed conferring voting rightson overseas Indian passport holders. A notificationdated 3rd February, 2011 has been issuedallowing overseas electors' names to be includedin the roll pertaining to the locality in which theirplace of residence in India as mentioned in theirpassport is located. Overseas electors are requiredto apply in the requisite form alongwith copies ofall the documents mentioned in the said form tothe concerned registration officer directly or sendthe application to the registration officer (RO) bypost. The rules allow self-attestation of documentsby the applicants. As per electoral rolls, 2013 thetotal number of overseas Indian electors is 11,328.

II.II.II.II.II. Overseas Citizenship of IndiaOverseas Citizenship of IndiaOverseas Citizenship of IndiaOverseas Citizenship of IndiaOverseas Citizenship of India(OCI)(OCI)(OCI)(OCI)(OCI)

Keeping in view Government's deep commitmentof engaging Persons of Indian Origin with the landof their ancestors in a mutually beneficialrelationship, the Overseas Citizenship of India(OCI) Scheme was launched in August, 2005 byamending the Citizenship Act, 1955. The OCIScheme is operated by the Ministry of HomeAffairs. The Scheme provides for registration asOverseas Citizens of India (OCI) of all Persons ofIndian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India

on or after 26 January, 1950 or were eligible tobecome citizens of India on 26 January, 1950and who are citizens of other countries, exceptPakistan and Bangladesh.

2.2.2.2.2. The Scheme provides for the issue of OCIdocuments consisting of OCI registrationcertificate and universal visa sticker to PIOs. TheScheme has been operational since January 2006and as on 11 February 2013, a total number of12,52,90312,52,90312,52,90312,52,90312,52,903 PIOs have been registered as OCIs.

3.3.3.3.3. A registered Overseas Citizen of India isgranted multiple entry, multi-purpose, life-long visafor visiting India, and is exempted from registrationwith Foreigners Regional Registration Office forany length of stay in India. As mandated underthe Allocation of Business, the Ministry of OverseasIndian Affairs has issued notifications grantingregistered OCIs further benefits as under:(i) Parity with Non-Resident Indians in the matter

of inter-country adoption of Indian children;(ii) Parity with resident Indian nationals in matters

of tariffs in domestic airfares;(iii) Parity with domestic Indian visitors in respect

of entry fee for visiting national parks andwildlife sanctuaries in India;

(iv) Parity with non-resident Indians in respect of:(a) entr y fee for visiting the national

monuments, historical sites andmuseums in India;

(b) practicing the following professions inIndia, in pursuance of the provisionscontained in the relevant Acts, namely:• Medicine, dentists, nursing and

pharmacy;• Law;• Architecture; and• Chartered Accountancy; and

(v) Entitlement to appear for the All India Pre-Medical Test or such other tests to make themeligible for admission in pursuance of theprovisions contained in the relevant Acts.

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However, the OCI is not 'dual nationality'.OCI does not confer political rights. Detailedinstructions and procedures concerning the OCIScheme are available in the MHA'swebsite:www.mha.nic.in.

An on-line OCI miscellaneous service is nowavailable for issuance of duplicate OCIdocuments, in case of issuance of new passports,change of personal particulars, such as nationality,name, change of address/occupation etc. andloss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa.

It is proposed to merge the PIO card and OCIcard scheme and call it Overseas Indian CarOverseas Indian CarOverseas Indian CarOverseas Indian CarOverseas Indian CardddddScheme.Scheme.Scheme.Scheme.Scheme. A Bill in this regard is underconsideration of the Parliament. It will enableacquisition of OCI registration by minors, bothparents of whom are Indian citizens or one parentis an Indian citizen. It will also grant OCI and tothe foreign spouse of OCI card holder. It can begranted to PIOs up to four generation levels, i.e.PIOs whose parents, grandparents or great grandparents had been of Indian Origin.

III. PIII. PIII. PIII. PIII. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)ravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)ravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)ravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)ravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention isthe flagship event of the Ministry - organized every

year since Januar y, 2003, with a view toconnecting India to its vast Indian Diaspora andbring their knowledge, expertise and skills on acommon platform.

The 11th edition of the Pravasi BharatiyaDivas Convention was held in Kochi from 7- 9January, 2013. The Convention was organized inpartnership with the Government of Kerala. It wasinaugurated by the Prime Minister on 8 January,2013 and the Valedictory Address was deliveredby the President on 9 January, 2013. ThePresident also conferred the Pravasi BharatiyaSamman Award on 15 distinguished PIOs/NRIs.Mr. Rajkeswur Purryag, H.E. President of theRepublic of Mauritius was the Chief Guest.

The three day Convention saw a participationof around 2000 persons including overseasdelegates, speakers, exhibitors, state governmentofficials, media persons etc. These included 13Members of the Prime Minister's Global AdvisoryCouncil and PIO Ministers from different countrieslike Mauritius and Malaysia, Ministers fromCanada and UK besides Union Ministers andChief Ministers, PIO dignitaries, distinguishedspeakers and other noted Indians from diversefields.

Shri PShri PShri PShri PShri Pranab Mukherjee, Pranab Mukherjee, Pranab Mukherjee, Pranab Mukherjee, Pranab Mukherjee, Prrrrresident of India andesident of India andesident of India andesident of India andesident of India andother dignitaries during the valedictorother dignitaries during the valedictorother dignitaries during the valedictorother dignitaries during the valedictorother dignitaries during the valedictory session of PBD 2013 at Ky session of PBD 2013 at Ky session of PBD 2013 at Ky session of PBD 2013 at Ky session of PBD 2013 at Kochiochiochiochiochi

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The flagship event of the Ministry was widelyacclaimed as a grand success both for itsorganizational aspects and its substantive aspect,as also for the choice of speakers and the topicalityof the themes chosen for deliberation at its varioussessions. The four pre-conference seminars of NRIsin the Gulf, Skill Development, Tourism and PureSciences drew enthusiastic participation of all stake-holders and came in for appreciation from severalquarters. The Gulf session was attended by theIndian Ambassadors to Gulf Cooperation Councilcountries, Shri E. Ahmed, Minister of State forExternal Affairs, Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. K.C.Joseph, Minister for Non-Resident Kerala Affairsand delegates from the Gulf.

The Convention had four plenary sessions:• India's Growth: Greater Opportunities• Heritage and Diaspora• Engaging Young Overseas Indians• Investment opportunities in States

The Convention also had four concurrent sessions:• Innovation and Technology• Meeting of Diaspora Organizations• India's Growing Soft Power• Overseas Indians and India

In addition, there were separate State sessionsand the PBD Oration by PBD Oration on 'GhadarMovement' by Porf. Harish Puri, retired Professorof Political Science and Head, BR Ambedkar ChairGuru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

Highlights of PBD 2013Highlights of PBD 2013Highlights of PBD 2013Highlights of PBD 2013Highlights of PBD 2013

• Overwhelming participation by delegates fromIndia and abroad.

• Release of a stamp on the Ghadar Movementby Prime Minister of India.

• Release of publications - (i) India Supportsand (ii) Handbook for Emigrants.

• Attendance by a host of dignitaries fromabroad.

• Four plenary sessions, four concurrentsessions besides separate States sessions.

• Four pre-conference seminars of NRIs in the Gulf,Skill Development, Tourism and Pure Sciences.

• PBD Oration on 'Ghadar Movement'.

The Ghadar Movement started in 1913 byNon- Resident Indians in the USA and Canadawas an important milestone in India's long strugglefor freedom from foreign rule; the bravery showand the sacrifice made by the "Ghadar Babas"

will always find a place in the annals of selfsacrifice for mother India. This is the centenaryyear of their movement. To commemorate theevent, and honour the brave individuals involvedin the struggle, during the Pravasi Bhartiya Divasat Kochi this year, the honorable Prime Ministerannounced that the Ghadar Memorial in SanFrancisco would be converted into a functionalmuseum and library, with a sculpture to honourthe Ghadar Babas. The Government of India willappropriately fund the project.

IVIVIVIVIV..... PPPPPravasi Bharatiya Sammanravasi Bharatiya Sammanravasi Bharatiya Sammanravasi Bharatiya Sammanravasi Bharatiya SammanAAAAAwards (PBSA)wards (PBSA)wards (PBSA)wards (PBSA)wards (PBSA)

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) isconferred on Non-Resident Indians, Persons ofIndian Origin or Organizations or Institutionsestablished and run by Non-Resident Indians orPersons of Indian Origin, who have excelled in theirfields which has enhanced India's prestige in theircountry of residence and who have made (i)significant contribution towards better understandingabroad of India and supported India's causes andconcerns in a tangible way; (ii) significantcontribution for the welfare of the diaspora; (iii)notable contribution in philanthropic and charitablework and for social and humanitarian causes in Indiaand abroad; (iv) significant contribution in buildingcloser links between India and its diaspora in theeconomic, cultural and scientific fields; and (v) foreminence in their skills which has enhanced India'sprestige in that country. It is conferred by thePresident of India as a part of the Pravasi BharatiyaDivas (PBD) Convention. PBSA is the highest honourconferred on overseas Indians. PBSA 2013 wasconferred on the following:

Mr. Rajkeswur PurryagAustralia India Society of VictoriaProf. Dr. Gursharan Singh ChhatwalMr. Ashok Shambhomal VaswaniIndian Doctors Forum, KuwaitTan Sri Ravindran MenonDr. Rasik Vihari JoshiDr. Satendra Kumar SinghMr. Gilbert Canabady MoutienMr. Mohammed Rabeeh KaruvanthodiMr. Ismail Ebrahim EbrahimMr. Bava PandalingalMs. Patricia Maria RozarioDr. Narendra Ramakrishna KumarMr. Subash Razdan

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VVVVV..... PPPPPravasi Bharatiya Divasravasi Bharatiya Divasravasi Bharatiya Divasravasi Bharatiya Divasravasi Bharatiya DivasConvention in Mauritius fromConvention in Mauritius fromConvention in Mauritius fromConvention in Mauritius fromConvention in Mauritius from27-28 October27-28 October27-28 October27-28 October27-28 October, 2012, 2012, 2012, 2012, 2012

6th Regional/Overseas Pravasi BharatiyaDivas (PBD) Convention was organized by MOIAin Mauritius on 27 to 28 October, 2012 to haveinteraction and discussion with Indian Diasporato ensure their connectivity with their ancestralmotherland as well to know their expectations andconcerns. The event was attended by the PrimeMinister of Mauritius and the President ofMauritius besides several other Cabinet Ministersof Mauritius. The Hon'ble Minister of OverseasIndian Affairs gave an address in the inauguralsession. Four plenary sessions were held on (i)expectations and aspirations of Indian Diasporafrom India (ii) PIO entrepreneurs - success stories:exploring business opportunities in the IndiaOcean (iii) role of youth in maintaining PIO linksand cultural heritage in the modern era and (iv)contemporary and future relationship betweenIndian Diaspora and India.

5 Regional PBDs have been held earlier atfollowing places so far:1. New York, USA on 24 September, 20072. Singapore on 10-11 October, 20083. The Hague, Netherlands on 19 September,

20094. Durban, South Africa on 1-2 October, 20105. Toronto, Canada on 8-10 June, 2011

VI.VI.VI.VI.VI. KNOW INDIA PROGRAMMEKNOW INDIA PROGRAMMEKNOW INDIA PROGRAMMEKNOW INDIA PROGRAMMEKNOW INDIA PROGRAMME(KIP)(KIP)(KIP)(KIP)(KIP)

The objective of the Ministry's Know IndiaProgramme is to help familiarize Indian Diasporayouth, in the age group of 18-26 years, withdevelopments and achievements made by thecountry and bringing them closer to the land oftheir ancestors. KIP provides a unique forum forstudents and young professionals of Indian originto visit India, share their views, expectations andexperiences and to bond closely with contemporaryIndia. The Ministry has conducted 23 editions ofKIPs so far and a total of 700 overseas Indian youthhave participated in these programmes.

The participants are selected based onnominations received from Indian Missions/Postsabroad. They are provided hospitality and arereimbursed 90% of their economy class return air-fare from their respective country to India. Theprogramme content broadly includes thefollowing:

(a) Presentations on the country, the constitution,the political process, etc.

(b) Interaction with faculty and students at aprestigious University / College / Institute

(c) Presentation on industrial development andvisit to some Industries

(d) Visit to a village to better understand thetypical village life in India

Members of 23rMembers of 23rMembers of 23rMembers of 23rMembers of 23rd Know India Pd Know India Pd Know India Pd Know India Pd Know India Prrrrrogramme at PBD, Kogramme at PBD, Kogramme at PBD, Kogramme at PBD, Kogramme at PBD, Kochiochiochiochiochi

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(e) Exposure to Indian media and cinema(f) Interaction with NGOs and organizations

dealing with women's issues(g) Visits to places of historical importance

or monuments(h) Participation in Cultural programmes(i) Exposure to Yoga(j) Call on high dignitaries, which may include

the President of India, the Chief ElectionCommissioner of India, the Comptroller andAuditor General of India, and Ministers in-charge of Overseas Indian Affairs, YouthAffairs and Sports, etc.

This year four editions of KIP were organized. 20thKnow India Programme was held from 25 Aprilto 15 May, 2012 with Partner State of Goa. 32participants from 12 countries took part in it. The21st KIP was held from 29 August to 18September, 2012 in partnership with the state ofTamil Nadu. 36 overseas youths of Indian originfrom 11 countries took part. The 22nd KIP washeld in partnership with the state of Uttrakhandfrom 16 November to 6 December, 2012 in which07 participants from 05 countries participated.23rd Know India Programme (KIP) was organizedfrom 21 December, 2012 to 10 January 2013 inpartnership with the state of Kerala. 34participants from 9 countries took part in it.Participants of the 23rd KIP also attended thePravasi Bharatiya Divas 2013 at Kochi, Kerala.

The Ministry also hosted 11 participants ofthe 5th Know Goa Programme (KGP) for the Delhiand Agra part of the programme in December,2012. The Know Goa Programmes areorganized by the Government of Goa for NRI/PIO youths whose forefathers migrated from Goaand are presently residing overseas.

VIII.VIII.VIII.VIII.VIII. Study India PStudy India PStudy India PStudy India PStudy India Programme fromrogramme fromrogramme fromrogramme fromrogramme from25.09.2012 to 23.10.201225.09.2012 to 23.10.201225.09.2012 to 23.10.201225.09.2012 to 23.10.201225.09.2012 to 23.10.2012

First 'Study India Programme' (SIP) was organizedfrom 25 September to 23 October, 2012 inSymbiosis University, Pune, Maharashtra withparticipation of 9 youths of Indian origin from fourcountries like Trinidad & Tobago, Malaysia, Fijiand South Africa. Like KIP, SIP has immensepotential of connecting youth Indian Diaspora withIndia through the channel of educationalinstitutions. SIP will be held twice a year for aperiod of four weeks involving maximum 40Diaspora youths in the age-group of 18-26 years.

It will enable Overseas Indian youth toundergo short term course in an Indian Universityto familiarize them with the history, heritage, art,culture, socio-political, economic developmentsetc. of India.

The focus of the programme is on academicorientation and research. Cost of boarding,lodging, local transportation, course fee duringthe programme to be borne by Govt. of India and50% of the cost of air-ticket by economy classwould be borne by Govt. of India. Gratis Visas byIndian Mission are granted to the participants.

IX.IX.IX.IX.IX. SCHOLSCHOLSCHOLSCHOLSCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMMEARSHIP PROGRAMMEARSHIP PROGRAMMEARSHIP PROGRAMMEARSHIP PROGRAMMEFORFORFORFORFOR DIADIADIADIADIASPORA CHILDRENSPORA CHILDRENSPORA CHILDRENSPORA CHILDRENSPORA CHILDREN(SPDC)(SPDC)(SPDC)(SPDC)(SPDC)

A scheme called 'Scholarship Programme forDiaspora Children (SPDC)' was launched in theacademic year 2006-07. Under the scheme 100scholarships upto US$ 4000 per annum aregranted to PIO and NRI students forundergraduate courses in Engineering/Technology, Humanities/Liberal Arts, Commerce,Management, Journalism, Hotel Management,Agriculture/Animal Husbandry etc. The schemeis being implemented by Educational ConsultantsIndia Limited (Ed. CIL), a Government of IndiaEnterprise under the Ministry of Human ResourceDevelopment. The scheme is open to NRIs / PIOs/OCIs from 40 countries with substantial IndianDiaspora population. A total of 568 candidateshave availed the scholarship since inception ofthe scheme. SPDC scheme has been modifiedand it has been decided to do away with the"Common Entrance Test (CET)" for selectingPIO/OCI and NRI students for the award ofscholarships. The applications from students whomeet the prescribed eligibility criteria are to beevaluated and short listed by a selectioncommittee consisting of officers from the Ministryof Human Resource Development, Ed.CIL (India)Ltd. and MOIA.

X.X.X.X.X. TRATRATRATRATRACING THE ROOTSCING THE ROOTSCING THE ROOTSCING THE ROOTSCING THE ROOTSThe Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is runninga scheme since October 2008 known as "Tracingthe Roots" to facilitate PIOs in tracing their rootsin India. PIOs who intend to trace their roots inIndia need to apply in a prescribed Form, throughthe Indian Mission/Post in the country of their

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residence. Application Form for this purpose isavailable on the website. Persons of Indian origindesirous of tracing their roots in India would berequired to fill up the prescribed application formand deposit it with the concerned Indian Mission/Post located in the country of their residence alongwith a fee of Rs.30,000 ( Rupees Thirty Thousandonly) in equivalent US $, Euro or any other foreigncurrency acceptable to the Indian Mission/Post.In case the attempt is not successful, the IndianMission is authorized to refund Rs.20,000 to theapplicant. For further details/informationregarding the Scheme, the nearest IndianEmbassy/High Commission/Consulate Generalmay be contacted.

XI.XI.XI.XI.XI. PROBLEMS RELPROBLEMS RELPROBLEMS RELPROBLEMS RELPROBLEMS REL AAAAATING TOTING TOTING TOTING TOTING TOOOOOOVERSEAVERSEAVERSEAVERSEAVERSEAS INDIAN MARRIAGESS INDIAN MARRIAGESS INDIAN MARRIAGESS INDIAN MARRIAGESS INDIAN MARRIAGES

Issues related with desertion of Indian women bytheir overseas spouses are complex and sensitive.They also fall within the purview of privateinternational law. The approach of the Ministryin addressing these issues is to create awarenessamongst prospective brides and their familiesregarding their rights and responsibilities and thesafeguards to be adopted while entering intomatrimonial alliances with grooms residingoverseas.

The Ministry has taken various proactive stepsin this direction during the year 2011-12. Scheme

of providing legal/financial assistance to Indianwomen deserted by their overseas spouses,launched by the Ministry in 2007, has been revisedwith effect from 30th November, 2011 and itsscope has been widened to include marriagessolemnized in India or overseas, with an Indian orforeigner husband. Besides, the quantum ofassistance under the scheme has been almostdoubled. The scope of the scheme has also beenliberalized to cover certain categories of Indianwomen married to overseas husbands who hadnot been included earlier.

The objective of the scheme is to providefinancial assistance to needy women in distressdue to being deserted/divorced by their overseasspouses, for getting access to counseling and legalservices. The counseling and legal services areprovided through credible Indian Women'sOrganisations/Indian Community Associationsand NGOs empanelled with the Indian Missions/Posts abroad in the countries like USA,UK,Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Bahrain andQatar.

27 (Twenty seven) NGOs have beenempanelled by the Indian Missions/Posts abroadto provide the assistance. A sum of Rs.80 lakhsapproximately has been disbursed under thescheme till date to provide assistance to Indianwomen deserted/facing divorce proceedings inforeign countries.

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MIGRATION MANAGEMENT

I.I.I.I.I. Highlights of 2012-13Highlights of 2012-13Highlights of 2012-13Highlights of 2012-13Highlights of 2012-13

The year 2012-13 has been an eventful andproductive for the Ministry of OverseasIndian Affairs. We have made progresson several fronts - economic, social and cultural.

The highlights of the year in brief are -

• The scope of Indian Community Welfare Fund(ICWF) to meet the contingency expenditureincurred by these missions for carrying outwelfare activities for overseas Indian citizenswho are in distress has been expanded forthe welfare of overseas Indians and the revisedguidelines have been circulated on 17September 2012. These include:‡ Providing the payment of penalties in

respect of Indian nationals for illegal stayin the host country where prima facie theworker is not at fault;

‡ Providing the payment of small fines/penalties for the release of Indian nationalsin jail/detention centre;

‡ Providing support to local Overseas IndianAssociations to establish Overseas IndianCommunity Centers in countries that havepopulation of Overseas Indians exceeding1,00,000; and

‡ Providing support to start and run overseasIndian Community-based student welfarecenters in Countries that have more than20,000 Indian students presence.

• The 5th Annual Consultation with the StateGovernments was held in New Delhi from 20-21 September, 2012 to discuss issues relatingto Overseas Indians and emigration and howbest the Ministry can partner with the stategovernments to provide the required supportin effectively addressing the concerns ofoverseas Indians. The States were requestedto strengthen the hand of MOIA in curbingirregular migration, launch regular publicity

campaign to counter irregular migration andassist the Ministry by allocating space for theMigrant Resource Centre (MRC).

• The 7th Annual Conference of the Heads ofMissions was attended by Head of MissionsGulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries,as well as Angola, Iraq Jordan, Malaysia,Maldives and Yemen. It was held on 17September, 2012 in New Delhi. TheConference was also attended by seniorofficials from the Ministry of External Affairs,the Ministr y of Home Affairs andrepresentatives from the major labour sendingStates such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat,Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala,Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab,Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh,

• The Ministry introduced a Pension and LifeInsurance Fund scheme called "MahatmaGandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY",for the Overseas Indian workers havingEmigration Check Required (ECR) passports.The scheme was launched on pilot basis atKerala on 1 May 2012 and established theenrolment centers at Kerala in July 2012. Theobjective of the scheme is to encourage andenable such overseas Indian workers and bygiving government contribution to save fortheir Return and Resettlement (R&R), savefor their old age and obtain a Life Insurancecover against natural death during the periodof coverage. It is planned to extend thescheme throughout India and in all ECRcountries in a phased manner.

• On 2 July, 2012 a High level dialogue betweenIndia and European Union was held at NewDelhi. The EU side was led by Mr. StefanoManservisi, Director General, Home Affairs,European Commission and includedrepresentatives from the Presidency of theEuropean Union, EU Member States, EUdelegation and European External Action

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service. The Indian side was led by Secretary,MOIA and included the representatives of theMOIA, MEA, MHA and India Center forMigration.

• The implementation of a comprehensive e-governance project on migration - E-Migrateis ongoing. It would result in significantimprovement in the quality of services toemigrant workers since it would simplifydifferent processes in the emigration cycle andimprove effectiveness.

II.II.II.II.II. Legislative RLegislative RLegislative RLegislative RLegislative Reformseformseformseformseforms

The Ministry realizes that there is a need toredefine the scope of regulation, redesign theemigration process by setting standards anddefining the roles and responsibilities of keystakeholders in the emigration process with theobjective of making emigration an orderlyeconomic process. There is a need to modernizethe legislative framework as enshrined in theEmigration Act, 1983 and the Emigration Rulesthat governs emigration of Indians for overseasemployment. It will facilitate legal migration,preventing irregular migration and empowermentof emigrants.

Ministry proposes to introduction of theEmigration Management Bill in the Parliamentand to repeal the existing Emigration Act, 1983.The proposed Emigration Management Bill (EMB)embodies a paradigm shift in the managementof emigration. Some of the salient features of thenew Bill are:(a) The Bill provides for the registration of, and

defines the functions, duties and rating ofRecruiting Agencies, the accreditation ofForeign employers; data - capture ofemigrants and students; the establishment ofan Emigration Management Authority;protection and welfare of emigrants; and thepunishment for human smuggling and otheremigration offences etc.

(b) Emigration Management Authority (EMA) -will replace the existing institutional frameworkof the Protector General of Emigrants assistedby several Protectors of Emigrants in the field.It will be an autonomous institution headedby a Chairman and will consist of two full timeMembers and one part-time Member. TheChairman and Members will be selected by ahigh level selection committee headed by the

Cabinet Secretary.(c) Regulation of all Recruiting Agencies: Under

the 1983 Act only those Recruiting Agentsfall within the purview of the Act who recruitlow-skilled workers, while those who recruithigh-skill workers and professionals remainoutside the ambit of law. Under the new Bill,entire recruitment industry for overseasemployment, irrespective of the nature ofemployment for which they recruit workers,will be regulated.

(d) Accreditation of Employers in case ofrecruitment for notified countries: There is aprovision under the existing act for theattestation of employment documents byIndian missions abroad. This has led to atendency amongst Recruiting Agents to forgeattestations. To address this issue, theproposed Bill seeks to replace the attestationsystem by a system of accreditation ofemployers who recruit emigrant workers in thelow skilled categor y / workers holdingpassports that require emigration checks forcertain countries (that have been notified bythe Government) in which emigrants are at aparticularly high risk of exploitation or abuse.

(e) Automatic registration of Recruiting Agencies(RAs): Under the proposed Bill, theregistration of RAs will be automatic so thatthere is no scope for discretion andmalpractices in the registration process. Forthis purpose, an enabling provision has beenmade to empower the EMA to lay downminimum eligibility criteria for the registrationof RAs. Further, the certificate of registrationhas to be issued by the EMA within a periodnot exceeding six months.

(f) Duties and responsibilities of key players:Specific duties and responsibilities of the RAsand employers will be laid down.

(g) Regulation of Enrolment Agencies: Agenciesin the business of enrolment of citizens of Indiafor studying at foreign educational institutionsor providing consulting services for suchenrolment will also have to register with theEMA in the same manner as the RAs withadaptations and modifications as appropriate.

(h) Emigration Clearance to be replaced byregistration of emigrants: With a view tofacilitate emigration: and capture datarelating to all categories of emigrants to avoidmalpractices, every citizen of India leaving the

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country for overseas employment will berequired to register with the Authority beforehis departure. Similarly, every student leavingthe country for studies at a foreign educationalinstitution will intimate his particulars to theAuthority before his departure by filling anonline form.

(i) Blacklisting of employers: Under the existingAct, there is no provision to debarunscrupulous employers who indulge in theexploitation of high-skill emigrants. To addressthis, the proposed Bill has a provision for theblacklisting of such employers with a view todebarring them from future recruitments fromIndia.

(j) Sub-Agents: Under the existing law the RAsare not permitted to employ sub-agents.However, in reality thousands of sub-agentsare regularly employed by RAs to assist themin recruiting workers from the remote villagesand towns of the countr y. Due to theprohibition on employment of sub-agents,there is little scope for improving theirfunctioning and subjecting them to anystandards. The proposed Bill addresses thisby allowing the RAs to engage sub-agentsubject to compliance of certain standards.

(k) Performance Standards and rating: Theproposed Bill seeks to enable the recruitmentmarket to encourage ethical recruitmentpractices and eliminate unethical practices.For this purpose, the new Bill provides forlaying down performance standards, regularperformance monitoring and periodical ratingof RAs and employers. Poor ratings will leadto the cancellation of the registrationcertificate of RAs and the cancellation of theaccreditation of employers. The ratings willbe placed in the public domain to empowerthe society and the potential emigrants tomarginalize unethical recruiters.

(l) Enabling provisions for welfare and otherschemes and bilateral MoUs: Under theproposed Bill enabling provisions have beenmade for formulating welfare schemes andinsurance schemes, skill upgradation, pre-departure orientation etc. An enablingprovision has also been made for the smoothimplementation of bilateral labour MoUs,international treaties etc.

(m) Penal provisions: Penal provisions have beenstrengthened in the proposed Bill. A new

chapter has been added for the prevention ofhuman smuggling and exploitation ofemigrants. Specific provisions have beenmade criminalizing the production orpossession of fake and fraudulent travel andother documents with a view to curbing illegalemigration and human smuggling. Themaximum penalty has been enhanced fromtwo years to five years' imprisonment. Thequantum of fine has also been enhanced fromRs. 2,000 to 1,00,000 rupees. In the case ofthe exploitation of women and minors, apunishment of not less than five years'imprisonment and fine not less than Rs. 1lakh has been provided.

(n) Creation of a Grievance Redressal Authority:A new provision has been added for theappointment of a Grievance RedressalAuthority who shall hear grievances arisingout of recruitment, emigration and overseasemployment under this Act. The GrievanceRedressal Authority shall hear and dispose ofcomplaints within a specified time and itsorders shall be binding.

(o) Compatibility with the e-Governance Project:The provisions of the proposed Bill is sodrafted that it supports and is aligned to e-Governance processes.

Thus, the proposed Bill will modernize thelegislative framework governing emigration,facilitate legal emigration, discourage irregularmigration, enhance protection and welfare ofemigrants, encourage ethical recruitmentpractices, enable market-friendly regulation ofrecruiters and provide for more deterrent penaltiesagainst crime such as human smuggling.

The Ministr y has done away with therequirement of "ECR Suspension" to enable ECRpassport holders to travel on visit visa withoutobtaining any clearance from the POE. This haseliminated a major avenue for rent seeking andharassment in the system.

The Ministry has also liberalized the emigrationsystem by restricting the application of theemigration process only to those possessingeducational qualification below Class-X (ECRpassport) and those going for work to only 17countries (ECR countries). All the remainingcountries have been notified as Emigration CheckNot Required (ECNR) countries.

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III.III.III.III.III. E-E-E-E-E-Governance in EmigrationGovernance in EmigrationGovernance in EmigrationGovernance in EmigrationGovernance in Emigration(eMigrate) P(eMigrate) P(eMigrate) P(eMigrate) P(eMigrate) Project:roject:roject:roject:roject:

The Ministry is implementing a comprehensivee-governance project on migration. The e-MigrateProject aims to transform emigration into a simple,transparent, orderly and humane process. TheProject is aimed at improving the quality of servicesto emigrant workers and help reduce, to a greatextent, corruption, malpractices and irregularmigration and thereby facilitate legal and orderlymigration.

After eMigrate system is launched; employers inECR countries will find an easy, fast andtransparent way of conducting recruitments fromIndia, their Recruiting Agents in India will interactwith the Ministry in a fully electronic mode,Protector General of Emigrants and Protector(s)ofEmigrants will record their decisions on the system,Immigration Counters will verify emigrants' datafrom eMigrate system electronically without theneed for any sticker on passport, Indian Missionswill interact with employers as well as PGoE/PoEselectronically so as to make emigration experiencesmooth and safe for emigrants.

eMigrate Project design has specifically providedfor data exchange with other systems such asPassport Seva Project of MEA and IVFRT Projectof MHA. This is based on a well-establishedpremise that a fully electronic mode of dataexchange is more effective in avoiding delay,tampering, and leakage in data transfer ascompared to manual mode. The three ministries,MHA, MEA and MOIA, play a key role inregulating the mobility of Indian emigrants. Thus,it is quite logical to integrate the respective systemsin order to facilitate seamless information and dataflow among the three Ministries. This is to a greatextent reduce information gaps and greatlyimprove regulation of emigrant mobility.

MOIA is targeting to complete the Projectimplementation work by June 2013 and then rollout e-Migrate system for use of emigrants,employers, Recruiting Agents and concernedgovernment departments.

IVIVIVIVIV..... Bilateral Memoranda ofBilateral Memoranda ofBilateral Memoranda ofBilateral Memoranda ofBilateral Memoranda ofUnderstanding on LabourUnderstanding on LabourUnderstanding on LabourUnderstanding on LabourUnderstanding on Labour

India had signed labour Memoranda ofUnderstandings (MOUs) with Jordan and Qatarin 1980s. However, no further progress was madein this direction for many years. The Ministry, afterits creation in 2004, has therefore made concertedefforts to enter into bilateral MoUs with all themajor destination countries to enlist thecommitment of the host governments to ensurebetter protection and welfare of Indian emigrants.The MoU with the UAE was signed in December,2006; with Qatar in April 2007; with Kuwait inApril, 2007; with Oman in November 2008, withMalaysia in January 2009 and with Bahrain inJune 2009. An Additional Protocol to the existingLabour Agreement between India and Qatar wassigned on 20th November, 2007. The revisedMOU on labour was signed with the UAE inSeptember, 2011. The following broad principleshave been built into these MoUs:

(i) Declaration of mutual intent to enhanceemployment opportunities and for bilateralcooperation in protection and welfare of workers.

(ii) Host Country to take measures for protectionand welfare of the workers in organized sector.

(iii) Statement of the broad procedure that the foreignemployer shall follow to recruit Indian workers.

(iv) The recruitment and terms of employment to bein conformity of the laws of both the Countries.

(v) A Joint Working Group (JWG) to be constitutedto ensure implementation of the MoU and tomeet regularly to find solutions to bilaterallabour problems.

Efforts are underway to sign MoUs with Jordan,Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

Regular meetings of JWG are important forresolving bilateral labour issues arising from timeto time and also monitoring the implementationof the MOU. The JWG serves as a platform todeal with a variety of issues such as modelcontract, minimum wages, documentation,redress of labour disputes, retention of passportsby employers, substitution of contracts, dealing

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with recalcitrant employers, solutions to problemsof exploitation and abuse of workers, regulationof intermediaries, sharing of experience inmanpower deployment, exchange of informationon legislative and administrative measures andexchange of labour market information etc. Oneof the success stories of the JWG has been theresolution of the work contract format problemwith Kuwait. Similarly, a model labour contract isbeing finalized by the Indo- Malaysia JWG. Thefirst round of JWG meetings has been held withall the countries with which Labour MOUs havebeen signed. This has been followed by 2nd and3rd round of JWG with Kuwait in February, 2010and January, 2012 in a very cordial atmosphere.JWG meeting was also held with Malaysia inDecember, 2011. The JWG meeting was also heldwith Oman in September, 2012.

VVVVV..... Indian Community WIndian Community WIndian Community WIndian Community WIndian Community WelfareelfareelfareelfareelfareFFFFFund (ICWF)und (ICWF)und (ICWF)und (ICWF)und (ICWF)

Overseas Indian Workers are estimated at over 6million, with a net outflow of about a million eachyear, excluding returnees. A significant number ofthem are women. The vast majority of these workersare temporary migrants and 90 percent of themwork in the Gulf. The framework for their protectionand welfare needs to be institutionalized withemphasis on delivery of innovative, financiallysustainable social security and support services tothe vulnerable emigrant workers and those indistress. Overseas Indian workers face a numberof risks. The nature of risks include high costs ofmigration, non/delayed/under payment of salaries,poor living and working conditions, physical abuse,fraudulent recruitment practices, difficulties inresettlement on return, financial insecurity, andvulnerability against emergencies.

The scope of the ICWF has been expanded inSeptember 2012, in consultation with the Indianmissions, to further provide for welfare of theOverseas Indian Citizens in distress. The revisedIndian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) Schemeprovides the following services on a means-testedbasis in the most deserving cases:

(i) Boarding and lodging for distressedOverseas Indian workers in Household /domestic sectors and unskilled labourers;

(ii) Extending emergency medical care to theOverseas Indians in need;

(iii) Providing air passage to stranded OverseasIndians in need;

(iv) Providing initial legal assistance to theOverseas Indians in deserving cases;

(v) Expenditure on incidentals and for airliftingthe mortal remains to India or localcremation/burial of the deceased OverseasIndians in such cases where the sponsor isunable or unwilling to do so as per thecontract and the family is unable to meetthe cost;

(vi) Providing the payment of penalties in respectof Indian nationals for illegal stay in the hostcountry where prima facie the worker is notat fault;

(vii) Providing the payment of small fines/penalties for the release of Indian nationalsin jail/detention centre;

(viii) Providing support to local Overseas IndianAssociations to establish Overseas IndianCommunity Centers in countries that havepopulation of Overseas Indians exceeding1,00,000; and

(ix) Providing support to start and run overseasIndian Community-based student welfarecenters in Countries that have more than20,000 Indian students presence.

So far, over 28,421 overseas Indians benefitedfrom ICWF and an amount of Rs. 37,38,29.447has been spent. The scheme has been extendedto all Indian Missions across the globe. TheMinistry has sanctioned an amount of AED 5.00lakh equivalent to Rs. 70,42,000/- out of anestimated cost of AED 9.37 million of theCrematorium and Burial ground Projects inSharjah. Similarly out of the total cost of themultipurpose centre and Crematorium in Ajmanestimated at AED 6.00 million, the Ministrysanctioned AED 3.00 lakh equivalent to Rs.42,25,000/-. The Ministry also sanctioned anamount of AED 7.5 lakh for the construction ofan Auditorium and Social Centre at Umm-Al-Quwain, UAE out of a total estimated cost of AED18.60 lakh.

VI.VI.VI.VI.VI. Mahatma Gandhi PMahatma Gandhi PMahatma Gandhi PMahatma Gandhi PMahatma Gandhi PravasiravasiravasiravasiravasiSuraksha YSuraksha YSuraksha YSuraksha YSuraksha Yojana (MGPSY)ojana (MGPSY)ojana (MGPSY)ojana (MGPSY)ojana (MGPSY)

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA)has introduced a Pension and Life Insurance Fundscheme called as "Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi

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Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY)", for the OverseasIndian workers having Emigration Check Required(ECR) passports. The scheme was conceptualizedand formulated on the basis of needs analysisfollowed by consultation with Indian Missions inthe ECR countries, Department of FinancialServices (DFS), the Pension Fund Regulatory andDevelopment Authority (PFRDA), and some of theleading financial institutions.

"Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana(MGPSY)" is a specially designed social securityscheme for the unskilled and semi-skilled OverseasIndian workers, with ECR passports and employedon temporary work permits across 17 ECR countries.The scheme was launched by this Ministry on a pilot-basis at Kerala on 1 May 2012 and enrolmentcenters were established at Kerala in July 2012.

The objective of the scheme is to encourageand enable such overseas Indian workers and bygiving government contribution to (a) save for theirreturn and resettlement, (b) save for their pensionand (c) get a life insurance cover against naturaldeath. The Government contribution availableunder the MGPSY is for a period of five years ortill the return of subscribed worker back to India,whichever is earlier.

The main features of the scheme are:1. Government contribution of Rs.1,000 per

annum in line with Swavalamban platformfor all MGPSY subscriber who save betweenRs.1,000 and Rs.12,000 per year in NPS-Lite.

2. An additional government contribution ofRs.1,000 per annum by MOIA for the overseasIndian women workers who save betweenRs.1,000 to Rs.12,000 per year in NPS-Lite.

3. A special government contribution of Rs.900by MOIA towards Return and Resettlement

Sh. VSh. VSh. VSh. VSh. Vayalar Rayalar Rayalar Rayalar Rayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs lighting ceravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs lighting ceravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs lighting ceravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs lighting ceravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs lighting ceremonial lamp at the launch ofemonial lamp at the launch ofemonial lamp at the launch ofemonial lamp at the launch ofemonial lamp at the launch ofpilot phase of Mahatma Gandhi Ppilot phase of Mahatma Gandhi Ppilot phase of Mahatma Gandhi Ppilot phase of Mahatma Gandhi Ppilot phase of Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yravasi Suraksha Yravasi Suraksha Yravasi Suraksha Yravasi Suraksha Yojna (MGPSY) at Kojna (MGPSY) at Kojna (MGPSY) at Kojna (MGPSY) at Kojna (MGPSY) at Kochi on 1st May 2012ochi on 1st May 2012ochi on 1st May 2012ochi on 1st May 2012ochi on 1st May 2012

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(R&R) of the overseas Indian workers whosave Rs.4,000 or more per annum.

The "Pension" benefit under the scheme wouldbe implemented using the PFRDA regulated NPS-Lite/Swavalamban platform; the "Return &Resettlement" savings benefit would beimplemented using a Securities Exchange Boardof India (SEBI) regulated UTI Asset ManagementCompany Limited's UTI-MIS mutual fundplatform: and the "Term Life Insurance" benefitwould be implemented through the InsuranceRegulatory and Development Authority (IRDA)regulated Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) ofIndia's Janashree Bima Yojana (JBY) platform.

The Ministry has appointed a Public Sector Bank(Bank of Baroda) as its Service Provider, andBanking Partner for the scheme. MGPSY is currentlyoperational in Kerala and has been made availableto all eligible subscribers (i.e. the ECR categoryworkers either working in or leaving for employmentto any of the 17 ECR countries) for enrolments.

Subscribers can visit the Enrolment Centresconveniently located in the POE offices, and atselect branches of the Bank of Baroda, each inThiruvananthapuram and Kochi. Theseenrolment centers have been fully operationalised.The information can also be obtained from theOverseas Workers Resource centre(OWRC)-operates a 24/7 toll free helpline(180011 3090).

Also, the Ministry has initiated the process ofadding more service providers in order to startMGPSY enrolments. In this regard, two morepublic sector banks - State Bank of Travancore,and Indian Bank would be starting Service Provideroperations in Kerala shortly. Bank of Baroda, theexisting service provider would also be expandingits operations under MGPSY across the stateshortly. The Ministry is also ready to introducethe Scheme in other States also.

The Ministry is currently in the process of reviewingthe MGPSY Pilot performance and the outcomes sofar. Based on the review feedback, the scheme wouldbe enhanced and would subsequently be rolled outfor full scale operations throughout the country andall the ECR countries in a phased manner.

VII.VII.VII.VII.VII. Information Dissemination OnInformation Dissemination OnInformation Dissemination OnInformation Dissemination OnInformation Dissemination OnLegal MigrationLegal MigrationLegal MigrationLegal MigrationLegal Migration

One of the problems faced by the intendingemigrants is difficulty in accessing authentic andtimely information relating to overseas

employment, Recruiting Agencies and emigrationprocedures etc. Non-availability of suchinformation makes the emigrants dependent onintermediaries and vulnerable to exploitation.

To overcome this difficulty, Ministry launched theOverseas WOverseas WOverseas WOverseas WOverseas Workers Rorkers Rorkers Rorkers Rorkers Resoures