Embassy News

Services Rendered Under ICWF

Services Rendered Under ICWF

Since 2009, the Embassy has set-up an Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) to provide assistance to Indian community, on a means tested basis in most deserving cases. Following services are rendered under ICWF:

(i) Boarding and lodging for distressed overseas Indian workers in Household / domestic sectors and unskilled workers; (ii) extending emergency medical care to the overseas Indians in need; (iii) providing air passage to stranded overseas Indians in need;(iv)providing initial legal assistance to the overseas Indians in deserving cases, and; (v)incurring expenditure on incidentals and for airlifting the mortal remains to India or local cremation/burial of the deceased overseas Indian in such cases where a sponsor is unable or unwilling to do so as per the contract and the family is unable to meet the cost.

2.     The Embassy has been utilizing the funds under ICWF for providing required assistance to distressed Indian workers as per guidelines prescribed. The details of amount spent from ICWF and the total number of beneficiaries and cases of transportation of mortal remains assisted from 2009 till July 2015 are given below for information.

 

 

ICWF expenditure

(January 2009 – July 2015)

 

Year

Total amount of money spent

(Indian Rupees)

Total number of persons who benefited from ICWF

Cases of Transportation of Mortal Remains under ICWF

 

2009

83,54,000

772

46

2010

35,02,000

653

43

2011

77,63,000

1,078

45

2012

65,43,000

1,037

32

2013

90,37,000

790

24

2014

90,94,000

1,141

29

Jan-July 2015

31,03,000

443

19

 

Total

 

4,73,96,000

 

5,914

 

238

 

 

National Pension System (NPS) for Non Resident Indians

National Pension System (NPS) for Non Resident Indians

The Government of India has launched the National Pension System (NPS) for the benefit of 10 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) so as to provide old age security to Indians, both in India and abroad. A copy of Embassy’s press release on 9 April 2015 is enclosed for ready reference. Recently, in this regard, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) held a conference on NPS for NRIs at New Delhi, where based on discussions with the various stakeholders, following steps towards making NPS available to NRIs were taken.

a. Upload of the FAQs specific to NPS for NRI segment.

b. Simplification of the application form of NPS for NRIs and its upload on our website.

c. Streamlining the distribution channel for operationalizing the scheme through the Bank branches doing/ authorized to do NRI business.

d. Developing specific communication strategy for promoting the scheme.

e. Information emailers to various non-resident Indian associations.

 

The details of NPS for NRIs are enclosed (which includes eligibility, source of contribution, contributions in NPS, salient features of Investment choices, Salient Features of Fund Management Schemes, Exit & Withdrawal Rules, 7-step Registration procedure, etc.). For any clarification/ further details, please contact Mrs. Mamta Rohit, Chief General Manager, PFRDA e-mail: mamta.rohit@pfrda.org.in; (ii) Mr. Akhilesh Kumar, Deputy General Manager, PFRDA, e-mail: akhilesh.kumar@pfrda.org.in; (iii) Mrs. Sumeet Kaur Kapoor, General Manager, PFRDA, e-mail: sumeet.kapoor@pfrda.org.in; telephone: +91-11-26897937. Details on the NPS are also available on PFRDA’s website: www.pfrda.org.in.

The Embassy requests all the Presidents and Secretaries of the Associations to disseminate the information amongst all the members of the associations/communities and bring awareness with wide publicity about NPS for NRIs.

 

National Pension System (NPS) for Non Resident Indians (NRIs)

 

The Government of India has launched the National Pension System (NPS) for the benefit of 10 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) so as to provide old age security to Indians, both in India and abroad.

While most NRIs remit a large part of their earnings to India, in the form of bank deposits, share investments, real estate acquisitions etc., unfortunately very little is saved for old age financial security. It is in this context that the National Pension System (NPS) has been launched by the Government of India (GOI) and supervised by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), New Delhi.

Although NPS was initially launched for government and semi-government employees w.e.f. 1 January 2004, it has now been made available to every Indian citizen from May 2009 on a voluntary basis. The scheme is open to all citizens of India, whether resident or non-resident between 18-60 years of age. Till 31 March 2015, the NPS had a total of 8.5 million subscribers and manages around Rs. 80,000 crore of funds.

The NPS is a well regulated and transparent scheme. It is portable across geographies and employments. It being technology driven, subscribers can view their accounts online. It has laid down prudent investing norms for the fund managers, and their performance and portfolios are regularly monitored by the NPS Trust and under the overall supervision of the PFRDA, the statutory regulator. The scheme offers complete flexibility to investors in terms of choice of investment mix. The investor decides the percentage of the corpus that goes into equities, corporate bonds and government securities, with the only limitation being that there is a 50% cap on the exposure to equities. Hailed as one of the lowest cost pension products in the world, its returns have generally outperformed the market. The returns under the Citizen scheme, which would be applicable to NRIs, are given below:

Returns on Annual compounding basis on the various schemes
under NPS since inception 

 

Compound Annual Growth Rate
(Since inception)

Scheme

For the period ending 31.03.2014

For the period ending 30.09.2014

E (Equity)

9.20%

12.84%

C (Corporate Debt)

10.53%

10.84%

G (Govt. Securities)

7.93%

8.79%

Pvt. Sector Overall (Weighted Average)

7.67%

9.15%



For more details on the NPS, Mrs. Sumeet Kaur Kapoor, General Manager, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), New Delhi can be contacted either by e-mail at sumeet.kapoor@pfrda.org.in or by telephone at +91-11-26897937. Details on the NPS are also available on PFRDA’s website: www.pfrda.org.in.
 

 

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings website

 
Swami Vivekananda was among the first Indian leader in pre-independence era who realised that the real solution to the problems in India lay in the eradication of poverty. Swami Vivekananda has inspired many persons over the last 150 years, including personalities like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Anna Hazare who have been influenced by his teachings and vision of life.
2.    The impact of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and belief about his vision for India can be seen at www.nationalyouthday.com. This website currently features an inspiring video about Swami Vivekananda which has been screened at various events. All those who are inspired by Swami Vivekananda can download the forms from the above website and share the same with nationalyouthday.12jan@gmail.com.    
 
 
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Condolence book open following the sad demise of Dr.Kalam

 
Following the  sad  demise  of  Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,  former  President  of  India (2002-07),  on  27 July 2015, the Government of India is observing a seven-day State mourning in the honour of Dr Abdul Kalam from 27 July – 2 August, 2015, as  a  mark  of  deep respect  to  the  departed Indian leader.
2.    A condolence book will be kept open at the Embassy on Wednesday, 29 July 2015 and Thursday, 30 July 2015 from 0930 hrs -1230 hrs and from 1430 hrs-1700 hrs for the members of Indian community in Kuwait to facilitate all those who wish to pay their homage to Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
 
 
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Transportation of human mortal remains to India

 

1.    Contact Consular Wing (Tel: 22530600 ext. 271 / 244) with a copy each of the (a) Passport / Civil identity card of the deceased, (b) Death Report issued by the hospital authorities / mortuary (c)  Civil Identity Card of the person intimating the death to the Embassy and (d) letter from the employer (in case of company workers).

2.    The Embassy will issue an authority letter in favour of the next of kin of deceased for collection of death certificate, passport, police report etc. from local authorities.

3.    In an instance of police case, to approach police station to collect clearance from the police authorities.

4.    To approach death and birth registration office of the area in which the deceased died, for obtaining the death certificate.
    
5.    To approach death and birth registration office, Maidan Hawalli behind Police Station, either for collecting the death certificate or endorsing the death certificate issued by death and birth registration office of other governates.

6.    Death certificate issued by birth and death registration office. Endorsed by Main office of birth and death registration office (Maidan Hawalli). This is required to be attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Section, located at Shuwaikh which is next to Kuwait News Agency Building or Liberation Tower in Murgab.

7.    After attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the death certificate is required to be translated into English by any authorized translator in Kuwait.

8.    To approach Embassy for registration of death:  The following documents
are required for registration of death in the Embassy.

    (a) Original Passport of the deceased
            (b) Passport copy of the deceased
      (c) Death certificate in duplicate, duly attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait.
     (d) Translation of death certificate. (Duplicate)
     (e) Two copies of Police report. (in case of accidental death)
9.    To approach any airlines and obtain ticket / airway bill with confirmed date and time for air-lifting of mortal remains. If you wish to send by Air India, please contact Mr. Rajendran from House of Travels, Tel: 24315538 /48 Mob: 66588786,    Mr. Najib Mobile: 99531193, Mr. Jaffer  Mobile:. 60744460.

    10.    Approach Al- Sabah Hospital (mortuary) for obtaining appointment for sealing of coffin box. The doctor will issue three slips (1) for Farwaniya mortuary or  hospital where the body is kept for transfer of dead body to Sabah Hospital (ii) in-charge of coffin box (iii) Indian Embassy, Kuwait.
11.      Approach the Embassy with the doctor’s slip along with a copy of airway bill and passport copy of the deceased.
12.     After sealing of the coffin box doctor will issue embalming certificate in Arabic which is to be translated into English and hand it over to the concerned representative of the airlines.
13.      To approach three hours before the flight time to Al- Sabah Hospital main block for ambulance for transportation of the coffin box from the hospital’s mortuary to the airport.
    The above procedures/steps can also be seen on the following link :-
http:www.indembkwt.org/pages/death.aspx   
 
 
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Advisory regarding narcotics/ drugs

 
Unfortunately, there has been an increase in the arrest/ detention of Indian nationals in cases of alleged possession of drug & narcotics in Kuwait. At present, more than 60% of total Indian nationals who have been detained and are serving sentences in Central jail of Kuwait in cases relating to drugs/ narcotics.

2.    It is to reiterate that anyone caught with drugs in Kuwait has to abide by the legal system of the country wherein the role of Embassy is restricted to minimum. The punishment under the Kuwaiti laws for violation of drug related crimes are often very severe and may lead to life imprisonment or even execution. Moreover, in Kuwait, a person is considered guilty until he/she is proven innocent & that the person knew nothing about the drugs makes it often very difficult to prove. Bail in such cases is usually not given and one has to spend several months in detention while the case progresses through the judicial system. Therefore, one must strictly obey rules and regulations regarding the laws about drugs in this country.

3.    The Embassy would like to re-emphasise the following information for the attention of the Indian Community in Kuwait:

4.    What are Narcotics/Drugs?

There are, generally, many kinds of drugs some are prescribed while others are known as club drugs, illicit or illegal substance and designer drugs, which include:
(i)     Antidepressants,
(ii)     Barbiturates,
(iii)     Cannabis,
(iv)    Depressants,
(v)     Hallucinogens,
(vi)     Inhalants,
(vii)     Narcotics [Marijuana, Morphine, Cocaine, Heroin, Dry ICE, LSD,
    MDMA (ecstasy), amphetamines (speed)].

(viii)     Steroids,
(ix)     Stimulants,
(x)     Tobacco.

(The list is only indicative and not exhaustive).

5.    Suggestions for taking precaution and/or safety tips for Indian community

It is observed that some people become an unwitting/ unknowingly drug carriers when they accept the request of their friend(s) or relative(s) by accepting packets/ gifts/ small bags etc in India for delivering to their contacts in Kuwait. One can avoid becoming an unwitting drug carrier by refusing such items where its contents are not clear. Also, always remain attentive so that drug dealers might not hide drugs in your luggage at the airport. Always get your luggage sealed at the airport & never leave your luggage unattended. Besides never take a parcel for another person without checking what’s inside. One should strictly avoid accepting any such packet or gift from strangers at airport or with a person you develop friendship during travel. These things may contain narcotics or prohibited medicines which would result in arrest and punishment in Kuwait.

6.    Further, the monetary temptation should be avoided where you are asked to visit a place, hold a packet, keep packet/ friends attaché/ suitcase with you for some time, keep friend’s bag in your room, etc as these are some of the tricks which may land you up in the police net with jail term for transporting/ possessing narcotics. Taxi drivers should avoid carrying any bag without the owner on board and should remain vigilant in case passenger tried to leave something in the car while alighting.

6.    Use/carrying of Prescription Medicine from India to Kuwait

The general medicine should be brought with doctor’s prescription and the quantity should not exceed the requirement of two weeks. Further, Ayurvedic/Homeopathic medicine due to its composition can be construed as containing alcohol while narcotics can be camouflaged as white sugar pills. Hence, one should be careful while bringing these medicines and must carry doctor’s prescription and possess limited quantity. One must check also with the Kuwaiti authorities about latest updates on regulations governing carrying of medicines from abroad.

7.    The above guidelines are indicative and issued in the interest of the Indian community for taking adequate precautions and to strictly observe the laws of land relating to narcotics/ drugs in Kuwait.

8.    Your suggestions/ comments in the matter may please be sent to the Embassy.
 
 
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Visa Charges for Kuwaiti Nationals

Visa Charges for Kuwaiti Nationals

From 19 July 2015 onwards, Indian Passport and Visa Service Centres at Sharq and Fahaheel will function from 8 AM - 12 noon and then 4 PM - 8 PM on all working days. Visa charges for Kuwaiti nationals are as under:-

(i)         Tourist visa: 6 months multiple entry----------------KD 13

(ii)       Business visa : 1 year multiple entry-----------------KD 38

(iii)     Business visa: 5 years multiple entry-----------------KD 63  

(iv)            Transit visa     : 15 days single/double entry---------KD 7

(v)               Student visa : 5 years multiple entry-----------------KD 24

(vi)            Medical visa         : one year multiple entry-----------KD 38

2.        In cases of emergency, visas can be taken directly from Embassy on payment of applicable charges.

Eid Holidays - Indian Embassy

Indian Embassy Eid Holidays

The Embassy will be closed on Friday, 17 July 2015 on the happy occasion of Idu’l Fitr. Emergency services will be however, available on that day.

2.        The Embassy will function as usual on Sunday (19 July 2015) and Monday (20 July 2015).

Average Time Taken to Repatriate Mortal Remains of Indian Nationals

Average Time Taken to Repatriage Mortal Remains of Indian Nationals
From Kuwait to India
The Embassy has registered 290 deaths of Indian nationals during the period from 01 January 2015 to 30 June 2015.  The mortal remains of 49 deceased Indian nationals were buried in Kuwait, as per the wishes of their family members, whereas mortal remains of 241 deceased Indian nationals were airlifted to India for last rites.  The average time taken in Kuwait to repatriate mortal remains to India is 4 days.
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MEDICAL TEST OF INDIAN NATIONALS COMING TO KUWAIT

KUWAIT MEDICAL TEST FEES
    The Embassy of Kuwait in New Delhi has announced that the Kuwaiti authorities will henceforth accept medical reports only from GAMCA (GCC Approved Medical Centres Association) Medical centres in India replacing the services of M/s Khadamat Integrated Solutions Pvt Ltd. A copy of the Embassy of Kuwait, New Delhi’s Notice dated 29 June 2015 is attached for reference.
 
 
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Embassy informs about the death of two Indian nationals

 
The Embassy regrets to inform about the death of two Indian nationals in the bomb blast at Imam Sadiq Mosque, Kuwait on 26 June 2015. Both were taking part in the prayers when they died. Their details are given below:
(i)    Shri Rizwan Husain, DOB 29/6/1984, Passport No. H-0338720, date of issue 14/8/2008 from Lucknow, Resident of Village Walipur, PS Baldipur, District Sultanpur, UP, who was working as a watchman in the Mosque.
(ii)    Shri Ibne Abbas, DOB 20/07/1989, passport No. M-1629683, date of issue 28/08/2014 from Lucknow, Resident of 151 Jafarabad, The. Jalalpur, Ambedkar Nagar, UP, who was working as driver.
2.    In view of the bomb blast on 26 June 2015, all members of Indian community in Kuwait are advised to take precautions for their safety and security in the country.
 
 
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OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

The Embassy is celebrating First International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21 June 2015 (Sunday) from 0600 hrs to 0800 hrs at the Embassy premises. Embassy is pleased to inform that large number of people have registered their participation online. For the benefit of all participants and to avoid traffic congestion, a transportation service (27 Seater Coaster buses) have been arranged from the following three locations:

1.   From Fahaheel - Al Amal Clinic and one stop at Souq Sabah

2.   From Abbassiya - Opp. Udupi Hotel (Bhavans School) and one stop at United Indian School

3.   From Salmiya - Salmiya Garden entrance/Parking  and one stop at Thakkar Restaurant.

2.      Please note that transportation service will be available from 5 AM till 5.15 AM at the above locations. There will be only one trip from these three locations. Those who are desirous of availing this service must reach at above locations at 5 AM sharp in order to board the buses on time. The buses will also drop the participants back at the same place after the yoga session is over.

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INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP IN THE INDIAN COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

 INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP IN THE INDIAN COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) which is an autonomous body under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture, New Delhi invites applications for NETAJI SUBHAS-ICAR International Fellowship (ICAR-IFs) for the academic year 2015-16.

2.         The number of fellowships available for a programme leading to Ph.D. degree under this scheme is 30 and the allocation of fellowships between Indian and Overseas students will depend upon the availability of good candidates in the identified priority areas.

3.         The details for the admission procedure, guidelines, eligibility criteria, priority areas of study etc. are available on the ICAR Website www.icar.org.inand the applications are to be submitted on-line/by post to the Assistant Director General (EQR), Education Division, ICAR Krishi Anusandhan Bhawan-II, Pusa, New Delhi-110012 (E-mail: adgeqr@gmail.com).

4.         The last date for receiving the application in Indian Council for Agricultural Research is 30 June 2015.

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Ramadan Timings - Indian Embassy

 Ramadan Timings - Indian EMBASSY

During the Holy month of Ramadan, the office timings of the Indian Passport and Visa Service Centres of COX & KINGS Global Services, Kuwait, situated at (i) Behbahani Tower, 17th Floor, Sharq, Kuwait, (ii) Complex Kais Alghanim, 4th Floor, Mecca Street in front of Al Anood Complex, Fahaheel, Kuwait & iii) 2nd Floor, Jleeb Al Shuyoukh Block 1,Street 1, Xcite building, Kuwait, will be from 8.00 AM - 3.00 PM from SATURDAY to THURSDAY (i.e. six days a week). Tokens for submission of applications will NOT be issued after 2.00 PM. Delivery of passports and visas services will be from     11.00 AM onwards. Regular working hours (Sunday to Thursday 08:00 am to 5:00 pm & Friday and Saturdays 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.) will be restored the day after Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan)”.

2.      The Consular wing of Embassy of India, Kuwait will however, maintain its usual working hours, i.e., 0730 hrs to 1630 hrs.

Nalanda University at Rajgir - Bihar

Nalanda University at Rajgir - Bihar

The Nalanda University has been established at Rajgir (Bihar) as an international institution of academic excellence. The University was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs on 19 September 2014.  The University's School of Historical Studies, School of Ecology and Environment Studies, set up in a temporary campus, are soon going to complete their first year of teaching.  The process of admission for the second year has already commenced.

2.        All students in Kuwait who are interested, may please see the following link for all the relevant details like admission procedure about Nalanda University. https://admissions.nalandauniv.edu.in, for taking admission.

General Amnesty by the Kuwait Government

 
Embassy has been receiving numerous queries/distress calls from Indian community seeking confirmation regarding announcement of General Amnesty by the Kuwait Government for illegal residents in the country allowing them to regularize their stay or leave the country without payment of fines.
 It is hereby informed that there is no such grant of General Amnesty by the Kuwaiti Government for these residents staying illegally in the country.
However, there is a grace period of 60 days effective June 01, 2015 for workers who are working with the companies whose licenses has been suspended so that these workers can regularize their stay.
All affected expatriate workers of these suspended companies will be given a chance to transfer to other sponsors or return to back to their own countries within the grace period from 1 June – 1 August, 2015.
 
 
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Do not go as Shepherd workers – Indian Embassy advises

 
 

The Embassy is deeply shocked and distressed to learn that an Indian national working as a shepherd in Kuwait has been found dead on 28 May 2015 in a remote desert area in Qashaniya.  According to press reports, preliminary investigations suggest that the Indian national died of thirst and de-hydration as his body was found in a very arid spot.

2.       As a matter of policy, the Embassy is not allowing Indian nationals in Kuwait to work as shepherds so as to protect their welfare.  Unfortunately, there have been some instances reported where Indian nationals have been forced to work as shepherds in desert areas of Kuwait or taken against their will to Saudi Arabia.

3.       The Embassy would, therefore, like to advise Indian nationals in Kuwait not to take up employment as shepherds.  Those who have been forced to work as shepherds in Kuwait in violation of their work contract, should immediately contact the Embassy for assistance in the matter/redressal of their grievances.

4.       Following Telephone / Mobile Numbers may be noted for contacting officers in the Embassy:

(a)     Shri S. Goldar, Deputy Chief of Mission (speaks Bengali, Oriya & Assamese), Tel. No. 22510891 & Mobile No.97229942;

(b)     Smt. Sunila Krishnan, Attaché (Labour) (speaks Malayalam&Tamil), Tel. No.22530409 &Mobile No.97264247;

(c)     ShriK.S.S. Naidu, Local Clerk (speaks Kannada & Telugu), Mobile No. 66442433; and

(d)     Smt. M. Thriveni Reddy, Local Clerk (speaks Telugu), Mobile No. 97108538.

 
 
 
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MEA declared PASSPORT SEVA MITRA scheme

 
The Government of India under the ageis of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi, had declared the launching of a new scheme in Bhopal (M.P) on 26 May called INTERNSHIP also known as PASSPORT SEVA MITRA. All relevant details in this matter has already been uploaded on Passport India Portal with the following link;-
https://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/pdf/Passport_seva_mitra.pdf
The Passport Seva Project has recently achieved a rare distinction of becoming the first Mission Mode Project to receive three ISO Certifications. Their details have also been uploaded on Passport India Portal:-
https://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/pdf/ISO_Certification.pdf
The MEA has made many quantitative and qualitative improvements in the delivery of passport services in the country through successful implementation of Passport Seva Project (PSP). The objective is to deliver passports to the citizens of India all over the world quickly in a comfortable manner. The location of the PSKs/RPOs may be accessed at the Passport Portal www.passportindia.gov.in.
 
 
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Indian Diaspora IDF OI

Fourth Meeting of the Board of Trustees

India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians

23 May 2015

 

embassyThe Fourth Meeting of the Board of Trustees of India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF-OI) was held on May 23, 2015 in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by the Hon’ble Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj.  IDF-OI is a not-for-profit Trust set-up by MOIA in 2008 to serve as an avenue for overseas Indians to contribute to India’s social development efforts.

In its meeting on May 23 the Board reviewed the functioning of IDF and its Action Plan for 2015-16. It decided to enhance engagement with overseas Indians and increase the number and variety of projects. The Board revised the mandate of IDF to seek contributions from overseas Indians for the three flagship programmes of the Government of India – Namami Gange, Swachh Bharat and Swachh Vidyalaya. Previously, IDF focussed mainly on philanthropy by overseas Indians to social and development projects in India which were selected by the donors.

The Board also decided that Indian Diaspora can also contribute through IDF, to projects identified by the State Governments; and projects implemented by NGOs. The participants in the Board meeting included prominent Indians and NRIs Shri Yusuff Ali, Shri Joginder Pal Sanger, Shri Subhash Jindal, Dr. B.K. Agnihotri, Shri Ashok Chowgule, Ms. Ritu Beri and Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.

 
  
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