GUIDELINES FOR KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME (KIP)
1. INTRODUCTION:
Know India Programme (KIP) is an initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs for the Indian Diaspora youth between the age group of 21-35 years.The primary objective of the KIP is to foster a closer connection between Indian diaspora youth and their ancestral homeland by augmenting their understanding of India. The Programme provides a platform for the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) youth to familiarize themselves with the contemporary India, through about three week knowledge tourism programme providing them an exposure to different aspects of the growth and development of India.
2. ELEMENTS OF KIP:
(i) Presentations on India, and its polity, economy, history, culture, etc.
(ii) Visit to institutes of democracy and governance like Parliament of India, Election Commission of India, Rashtrapati Bhawan and call on High Dignitaries.
(iii) Showcasing achievements in diverse sectors, including Science & Technology, Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Startup ecosystem, Digital infrastructure, India Stack, JAM Trinity, Education, Defence, Agriculture and Tourism.
(iv) Visit to places of historical, and cultural importance.
(v) Familiarisation with cultural and civilizational heritage of India, including Yoga, Ayurveda, Classical forms of Music and Dance.
(vi) Exposure to Govt. of India schemes like Skill India, Digital India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, StartUp India.
(vii) Visit to industrial sites, public and private firms to showcase India’s strength in Manufacturing & Services sector.
(viii) Immersion programme along with interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious University/College/Institute.
(ix) Visit to leading Scientific and Research Institutions.
(x) Exposure to Indian Media and Broadcasting industry.
(xi) Visit to one or two State(s) in India to expose the participants to the cultural diversity of India.
3. ARRANGEMENTS:
i. The Ministry of External Affairs will make following arrangements for the participants selected for the Know India Programme:(a) Return air tickets (economy), with participants bearing 10% of the cost of airfare.
(b) Local hospitality e.g., boarding/lodging in budget hotels (on twin sharing basis).
(c) Transportation during the programme, including airport transfers.
(d) Gratis visa.
ii. Indian Missions/Posts abroad will contact the selected participants to make the above-mentioned arrangements for their participation in the KIP.
4. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
i. 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.
ii. KIP is open to Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) youth from all the countries, with preference to be given to PIOs from Girmitiya countries.
iii. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible to apply.
iv. Applicant must provide documentary proof of Indian origin – OCI card or former 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/Consulate.
v. The applicant should not have participated in any previous KIP or any other programme organized and paid for by any Ministry/Department in Government of India or a State Government in India.
vi. Minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognized University/ Institute. Applicants pursuing graduation are not eligible.
vii. 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.
viii. The applicants who have not visited India before will be given preference.
5. DURATION:
The duration of the programme is about 3-weeks (including international travel).
6. INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE:
i. The selected applicant will need to submit a medical fitness report or certificate confirming their ability to undertake long-distance and extended-duration travel.
ii. The selected applicant will need to submit a copy of a valid international travel insurance and medical insurance policy for the duration of their visit to India.
iii. A copy of these documents must be provided by the selected applicant to the Mission/Post before the ticket is issued.
7. UNDERTAKINGS TO BE SUBMITTED BY SELECTED PARTICIPANTS:
i. The selected applicant will have to submit an undertaking that he/she will reimburse the full international air fare paid by Indian Mission/Post if he/she fails to complete the Know India Programme after arrival in India.
ii. The selected applicant will have to submit an undertaking stating that he/she is not travelling with any family member or partner/spouse for the KIP at the expense of Indian Govt expenditure.
8. SUBMISSION OF PROGRAMME REPORT BY THE SELECTED PARTICIPANTS:
i. 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.
ii. The participants will receive Certificates only after the acceptance of their Programme Reports.
