MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS
Government of India
New Delhi

GUIDELINES FOR KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME (KIP)
 
1. The following is the tentative schedule of the Know India Programmes during 2010-11:

 

 Tentative Period Partner States Last date for receipt of nominations in MOIA
15th KIP August - September 2010 Assam, Meghalaya 30th  June 2010
16th KIP December 2010 - January 2011 West Bengal, Bihar 30th September 2010
17th KIP March- April 2011 Punjab, Himachal Pradesh 31st December 2010
2. Duration of each of these programmes would be 3 weeks. Exact dates would be communicated in due course.
3. The programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) between the age group of 18-26 years as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to commence. It is open to PIOs from all over the world. 
4. The total number of participants in any KIP may not exceed 40.
5. The applicants should either be studying in the under-graduate level or should have completed under-graduation or equivalent.
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 may include the following:
  • Presentations on the country, political process, developments in various sectors
  • Interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious           University/College/Institute
  • Presentation on the industrial development and visits to some Industries/factories
  • Visit to a village to better understand the typical village life
  • Exposure to Indian media
  • Interaction with NGOs and organizations dealing with women affairs
  • Visit to places of historical importance/Monuments
  • Taking part in Cultural programmes
  • Exposure to yoga
  • Call on high dignitaries, which may include President of India, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and Ministers in-charge of Overseas Indian Affairs, Youth Affairs and Sports.
9. The participants are provided the following hospitality/facilities in India:
  • local hospitality e.g. boarding/lodging in State guest houses or budget hotels,
  • Internal travel as per the Programme.
  • 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 in consultation with their respective Indian Mission and Posts, 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 (at lowest economy excursion fare) to the participants on production of the certificate regarding the successful completion of the programme by them which is provided to the participants at the end of the programme by the Ministry.
11. Gratis visa by Indian Missions/Posts abroad would be granted to 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 weather condition of India should also be communicated to the participants and they should also be briefed that stay in a rural area is the part of the programme where air-conditioned accommodation is often not available and some places can be dusty, hot and crowded. 
14. All applicants for the programme will 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 an agency nominated by it for the conduct of the Programme directly or through Indian Missions/Posts abroad. They are expected to cooperate fully in the programme in order to ensure its smooth conduct, be a part of the group and show seriousness towards the programs organized for them.
16. In case a participant is found guilty of misconduct or  indiscipline during the course of his/her stay, 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 and ‘clause 10’ above on refund of 90% of  the total cost of air ticket by Indian Missions/Posts would not be applicable to them. Drinking and smoking is banned in many places in India and is discouraged during the course the program.
17. The participants would also not be permitted to leave the Programme mid-way. All are expected to participate in various programmes organized for them enthusiastically & are not expected to stay back in their hotel room, except for medical reason as per doctor’s advice. Those participants who leave the program midway on their own will also be not entitled to refund of the 90% of their airfare.
18. Organisers will be taking care of the participants only for the duration of the programme.  Those participants who wish to stay back or arrive before for the program will have to make their own arrangements and will be on their own. The participants are expected to guard their own belongings.
19. Duly Completed application for the programme, along with a passport size photograph, is to be submitted in the prescribed application form 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 would be summarily rejected.
20. Nominations, duly recommended by HOM/HOP, may please be sent by e-mail/fax to  Under Secretary (DS - I), Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Akbar Bhawan, New Delhi – 110011; e-mail: usds2@moia.nic.in; fax: (011) 24197942 with a copy to Ms Neelam Bhagat, Executive officer, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); fax: (011) 24601298; e-mail: neelam.bhagat@cii.in. The application form in original may be subsequently sent by diplomatic bag to Under Secretary (DS - I).
21. Details of the Programme would also be posted on the Ministry’s website http://knowindiaprogram.com/ and www.moia.gov.in.  
 
www.moia.gov.in
 
 
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