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77th edition of the “Know India Programme”

Government of India Ministry of External Affairs

(Diaspora Engagement Division)

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GUIDELINES FOR KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME (KIP)

1. INTRODUCTION

     KIP is an engagement programme for Diaspora youth (between the age of 21-35 years) of Indian origin to introduce them to India and promote awareness about different facets of Indian life, our cultural heritage, art and various aspects of contemporary India. This programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding Non-Resident Indians) with preference to those from Girmitiya countries. The programme has been in existence since 2003-04.

2. MAIN ELEMENTS OF

  1. Presentations on India, and its polity, economy, history, culture, etc.

  2. Visit to institutes of democracy and governance like Parliament of India, Election Commission of India, Rashtrapati Bhawan and call on High Dignitaries.

  3. Showcasingachievements in diverse sectors, including Science &Technology, Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Startup ecosystem, Digital infrastructure, India Stack, JAM Trinity, Education, Defence, Agriculture and Tourism.

  4. Visit to places of historical, and cultural importance.

  5. Familiarisation with cultural and civilizational heritage of India, including Yoga, Ayurveda, Classical forms of Music and Dance.

  6. Exposure to Govt. of India schemes like Skill India, Digital India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, StartUp India.

  7. Visit to industrial sites, public and private firms to showcase India’s strength in Manufacturing &Services sector.

  8. Immersion program along with interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious University/College/Institute.

  9. Visit to leading Scientific and Research Institutions.

  10. Exposure to Indian Media and Broadcasting industry.

  11. Visit to one or two State(s) in India to expose the participants to the cultural diversity of India

3. ARRANGEMENTS

    1. The Ministry of External Affairs will take care of participants only for the duration of the programme. If participants wish to arrive in India early or stay extra, they will have to make their own arrangements.

    1. The participants are provided local hospitality e.g. boarding/lodging in budget hotels and internal transportation in India (including airport transfers).

    1. Missions will arrange for return air tickets before participants leave for India, after getting 10% of total air fare from them.

    1. Gratis visa shall be granted to selected participants by the Indian Missions/Posts abroad.

4. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

    1. Age: The programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) in the age group of 21-35 years, as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to begin.

    1. It is open to PIO youth from all over the world. Applicant must provide his/her OCI card number or PIO card number or that of his/her parents or grandparents. In the absence of any documentary proof of Indian Origin, the applicant must submit a written undertaking about his Indian Origin which must be attested by DCM/DCG or HOM/HOP of the Mission/Post.

    1. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible to apply.

    2. Previous participation: The applicant should not have participated in any previous edition of Know India Programme or any other programme organized and paid for by the Ministry of External Affairs and any other Ministry/Department in Government of India or a State Government in India.

    1. Educational Qualification: Minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognized University/Institute. Applicants pursuing graduation are not eligible to apply.

    1. Language: The applicants should be able to speak in English, should have studied English as a subject at the High School level or have English as the medium of instruction for undergraduate course.

    1. The applicants who have not visited India before will be given preference.

5. DURATION.

     The duration of the programme is about three weeks (including international travel).

6. INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE.

     There have been some previous instances in KIPs where participants have faced health issues during their visit to India. In the absence of a valid travel and medical insurance policy, it is difficult to settle the expenditure incurred on the medical care for the participant while in India. Therefore, all KIP participants will need to submit a copy of a valid international travel insurance and medical insurance policy for the duration of their visit to India.

     The participants will also need to submit a medical fitness report or certificate confirming their ability to undertake long-distance and extended-duration travel.

7. SUBMISSION OF PROGRAMME REPORT BY THE SELECTED PARTICIPANTS

     For the successful completion of the KIP programme, participants will be required to submit a 750-1000 words Programme Report outlining their experiences and insights from the programme. The report will be detailed account of their learnings from the Programme and how the visit has helped improve their understanding about India.

     The participants will receive Certificates only after the acceptance of their Programme Reports.

7. ROLE OF MISSIONS/POSTS.

    1. Mission/Post shall recommend to Ministry only the names of candidates who meet all eligibility criteria.

    1. Head of Mission/Post or DCM/DHC/DCG will certify that the applicant is a Person of Indian Origin in the absence of any proof of India Origin.

    2.   Mission/Post may arrange for return air tickets before participants leave for India, after getting 10% of total air fare from the participants. Mission may obtain a signed written undertaking from the participant that he/she will reimburse to the Indian Mission/Post the amount spent on airfare by Govt. of India, if he/she will not complete the KIP.

    1. Payment for airfare and Gratis visa by Indian Missions/Posts abroad shall be granted to selected participants after participant submits a medical fitness report or certificate confirming their ability to undertake long-distance and extended-duration travel and a copy of valid travel and medical insurance for the duration of their visit to India. This is a mandatory provision before issuing of ticket and visa.

    1. Mission/Post will conduct a pre-departure orientation session/briefing for the selected participants to brief them on the objectives and purpose of the KIP, programme elements and Do’s and Don’ts for the trip.

8. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS.

    1. The Programme is open to PIO youth from all over the world, with preference given to Indian origin youth from Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica (also known as Girmitiya countries).

    1. Person selected would be within 21-35 years as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to begin.

    1. If for any reason, the confirmed KIP candidates drop out before KIP starts, the slot will be offered to the candidates in the reserve list as per their placing in the list.

9. ROLE OF MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (MEA).

    1. Constitution of a Committee for selection of participants in accordance with the guidelines. Selection of participants for each edition of KIP will be done from the candidates recommended by the Missions/Posts, keeping in consideration preference to be given to candidates from Girmitiya countries.

    1. Ministry shall maintain a reserve list of 10 candidates for each KIP edition to fill the vacant slots in case any of the selected participants cancel their visit. If the total number of participants in a KIP is less than 40, Ministry will select the candidates from the reserve list.

    2. Drawing up he programme for each KIP edition, and coordinate with the concerned institutions & organisations for smooth conduct of the programme.

    1. Designate a Nodal Officer for coordinating the programme within the State.

    2. Selection of Event Manager for successful conduct of the KIP programme, with required logistical arrangements including hotel accommodation (twin sharing basis in a 3 Star or above category of hotel), and local transportation (Volvo AC Coach for local transportation),

    3. Coordinate with local authorities in the State(s) for protocol , security and any other arrangements required during outstation visits.

    1. Arrange for a wrap up session chaired by a Minister/Senior Official and distribute certificates of the programme.

    2. Details of the Programme shall be posted on the MEA website http://www.mea.gov.in/ and the websites of the respective Indian Mission/Post.

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77th KIP application form