Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs

Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs

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Know India Programme

GUIDELINES FOR KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME (KIP)

1. The following is the tentative schedule for the Know India Programmes during 2011-12:

2. Duration of each of these programmes would be for 3 weeks.

3. The Programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) in the age group of 18-26 years as on the first day of the month in which the Programme commences. It is open to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) from all over the world.

4. The total number of participants in any KIP may not exceed 40 at a time.

5. Minimum qualification required: holding Graduate degree or studying for graduation.

6. The applicants should be able to converse in English. [They should have studied English as a subject at the High School level or should have English as a medium of instruction for under-graduate course]

7. The applicant should not have participated in any previous KIP or Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth (IPDY). Students and those who have not visited India before are encouraged to apply.

8. The content of the programme are broadly as follows:
    
   1. Presentations on the country, political process, developments in various sectors,
   2. Interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious University/College/Institute,
   3. Presentation on India's industrial development and visits to some Industries,
   4. Visit to a village to better understand the typical village life,
   5. Exposure to the Indian media,
   6. Interaction with NGOs and organizations dealing with women's issues,
   7. Visit to places of historical importance/monuments,
   8. Participation in cultural programmes,
   9. Exposure to yoga,
   10. Call on high dignitaries, which may include the President of India, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and other dignitaries.

9. The participants are provided the following hospitality/facilities in India:
    
   1. local hospitality e.g. boarding/lodging in State guest houses or budget hotels,
   2. Internal travel as per the Programme.
   3. Per diem allowance of Rs. 100/- for out-of-pocket expenses,

10. Selected participants would be required to purchase air ticket for their journey from the country of residence to India and back, as per the schedule prescribed for the Programme by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. Concerned Indian Mission/Post would reimburse 90% (ninety percent) of the total cost of air ticket by the cheapest economy class travel to the participants on their successful completion of the Programme.

11. Gratis visa by Indian Missions/Posts abroad will be granted to the selected participants.

12. The Mission should seek a medical fitness certificate from the participants before recommending them for the programme. Every participant should have medical insurance before the visa is granted to them.

13. The prevailing weather conditions in places of visit in India to be communicated to the participants prior to the visit. The participants will also be briefed that stay in a rural area is part of the programme where air-conditioned accommodation is often not available.

14. All applicants for the programme may be asked to write an essay of 250 to 300 words on why they want to participate and what they expect to gain from the programme.

15. Selected participants would be required to abide by the regulations of the Know India Programme as conveyed to them by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs or its agency nominated to conduct the Programme or through Indian Missions/Posts abroad. The participants are expected to cooperate and abide by the regulations of the Programme in order to ensure its smooth conduct.

16. In the event a participant is found guilty of misconduct or indiscipline he/she may be asked to leave the Programme. Such participants would have to meet the entire cost of their air travel from his/her country of residence to India & back. Benefits under 'clause 10' above would not be applicable to them. Drinking and smoking in many places in India is banned and is discouraged during the Programme. Participants are expected to remain with the group.

17. The participants will not be permitted to leave the Programme mid-way. All are expected to participate in the various Programmes organized for them enthusiastically & are not expected to stay back in their hotel room, except for medical reasons, as per the advice of the doctor. Participants who leave the programme on their own will not be entitled to either the airfare or the per diem allowance.

18. The organizers will take care of the participants for the duration of the scheduled programme. If the participants wish to arrive early or delay departure they will make their own arrangements at their own cost.

19. Duly completed application form for the programme, along with a passport size photograph, is to be submitted at the Indian Diplomatic Mission/Consular Post that covers the area of residence of the applicant. Nominations received after the due date, incomplete and unsigned applications, or forms not accompanied with photographs will be rejected.

20. Details of the Programme/Event Manager will be posted on the website. http://knowindiaprogram.com.