INDIAN URBANISATION

INDIAN URBANISATION
History
According to Indus valley civilisation, their urbanisation was well planned, structured colonies, Grid plan , water supply system , waste water management system were awesome.
We can compare only our new developed apartments, societies, flats, duplexes etc by Indus valley city plan.
For the census of India 2011 , the definition of urban area is as follows :
All places with a municipalty , corporation , cantonement board or notified area committe etc.
Other places criteria :
A minimum population of 5000 ; at least 75% of the male main working population engaged in non-agriculture persuits ; and a density of population of at least 400 persons per sq.km.
As we all know India is called country of villages, day by day we are converting our rural population into urban. According to population data 2011 total urban population is 31.16 %, comparing to our neighbours.
Pakistan has 36%, Bangladesh 30%, Nepal 20% of their total population.
Comparing with another asian gaint (CHINA).
Both are the fastest growing market for investors .
Both are urbanizing fastly,but China has shaped the process , while India is still struggling with process.in 1950 india was more urban nation than China , but from 1950 to 2005 china has 41 % growth rate and india has only 29 %.in india per capita GDP is projected to grow @ 6 % per year from 2005 to 2025 , while china will se 7.3 %.
For business the significant increases in per capita urban incomes and middle-income households offers the potential of vibrant new market to serve .
This increasing data of urbanisation in india is developing unplanned urbanisation , pressure on cities , pressure on administration , illegal encroachment of govt land , and many more problems.As the meaning of urbanisation the picture is totally opposite in India.
So why this is increasing so fast in india .
Industrialisation :
Demand of labours in industries increase the,migration of rural population so more urban population.
More demand of drinking water,electricity,health,education ,land for housing .
Lack of agriculturist in rural areas,this urban population became consumer from producer of vegitables and crops.
Education : Rural people are migrating urban ares for their childrens better education,better
environment for their psyclogical development.
Eleventh five year plan that aimed at urbanisation for the economic development of india .
Economic oppurtunities , infrastructure facilities , growth of private sector are also some reasons .
Problems of urbanisation:
Rapid rise in urban population in india is leading to many problems like increasing slums , decrease in standard of living in urban areas ,transport , water supply and sanitation , water pollution and air pollution , inadequate provision for social infrastructure (school and hospital)als environmental damage.
Changing of land uses: the way population is increasing, demand of land for different -2 purpose increases, expansion of cities became cause of forest eradication, encroachment of agriculture land. it is a challenge , causes more consume of fossil fuel , more GHG result is high temperature .
Solid waste management: truck load of solid waste are dumped besides roads, causes to many health problems lack of solid waste management plan is main hindrance of urbanisation. a study of world bank says Indian solid waste has about 55% carbonic waste , which can be converted into compost and another 15% is reusable.
Lack of sanitation: a big part of unplanned urban population doesnt have toilets , open defection is a vital issue , which contempt land and also ground water .
Un empolyement : class 1 cities such as Calcutta , Mumbai , Chennai , delhi , etc have reached saturation level of employement generating capacity . most of these cities using capital intensive technologies can not generate employment for these distress rural poor. So there is transfer of rural poverty to urban poverty .

Central and state government policies:
Land usage: planning commission has formed a group in 2006 for transperency , contribution in environment and forest area.recommendation of that group is to enforce the NATIONAL LAND USAGE BOARD, development of plans for water and land conservation ,plan for ground water usage for domestic , industrial ,urban usage.
Solid waste : different committees has recommended that 100% collection of solid waste and disposal of them far from population . Development of waste recycling plants , govt subsidy for these plants .
Sanitation : target of NATIONAL URBAN SANITATION POLICY

* 100% availability of public sanitation service,and management

* No open defection and try to change the habits of people

* Create awareness about sanitation, hand washing habits
Institutes: establishment of sanitation institutions,courses on urban problems , environmental issues , think tank
India government think that sanitation is subject of state for better implementation of public health and environmental services at ground level govt should be more focus on ground level institutions ,
Every states has different geographical and environmental issues , but there is a need of integrated urban development plan which fits on all states upto some extent .
Result of unplanned urbanisation : we should learn a strong lesson from uttrakhand calamity , that was also a unplanned urbanisation , encroachment of river basin causes lakhs of people death .
In general urban planning must aim at :
a ) Balanced regional and urban planning
b ) development of strong economic base for urban economy
c ) integration of rural and urban economy emphasis on agro-based industry . raw material should be processed in rural economy and then transferred to urban economy .
urban planning and housing for slum people with human face.

Name:-Vishwajeet kumar singh

INDIAN DIASPORA AND ITS RELEVANCE

INDIAN DIASPORA AND ITS RELEVANCE
Mains 2013- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on Indias interests, Indian Diaspora.
Diaspora is a Greek word meaning scattering of seeds. Until 1993 it was defied as dispersion of Jews in gentile nations. Actually Diaspora is a consequence of international migration. And migration is the term that has been used from pre-colonial era. But gradually international frameworks have defined it as a condition when group or community settles beyond the border of their nation state and maintain their ethnic identity.
Same with the people of Indian origin are living in almost 139 countries today. This covers nearly twenty five millions people having INDIANISM in their hearts.
Historically the process of Indian emigration can be categorized into following four phases-

1. Pre-colonial era

2. Colonial period(old Diaspora)

3. Post colonial(New Diaspora)

4. Free passengers (skilled or semi skilled workers) since globalization

During pre-colonial period there had been starting of Indian trade with Middle East counties. Merchants of Gujarat, Bengal and Tamilnadu were settled there. In ancient time due to propagation of religion like Buddhism many Indian scholar settled around different parts of south East Asia. In Saltnata age many Indian poet, artesian were taken to Arab with Muslim rulers.
In colonial period during tyranny of British rule many labours, farmers were forcefully sent to new colonies of Latin America and Africa, Ceylone under GIRMIT and KANGANI system. The crisis of agriculture, small industries and famine in that time also pushed emigration of skilled Indian people to new industrialized west nation.
After Second World War situation was changed. Now colonial powers had to leave their dominance over third world. The population of under developed nation found developed world more affluent at this time. A large part of Indian migration was toward US UK Canada. Even Indian Diaspora from other former colonies also migrated to these nations, process called twice migrated due to ethnic violence of Africa and Fiji.
The new Diaspora or free Indians is name of recent migration of Indians to western countries. Since 1973 demand of expertise labor in oil exporting countries increased. A large part of south Indians like Kerala were migrated there for search of better employment.

By the above explanation we can see the varsity of Indian Diaspora pattern. Well defiantly the question arises why this so old phenomena is being important now or what is the relevance if Indian Diaspora.

India has the second largest Diaspora in the world. In recent years the achievements of these emigrants have come in sharp focus. Many of them receiving great honorable post in developed countries like(TULSI GABBARD,NINA DAVULURI ) US, UK. Moreover in the wave of globalization when there is free flow of technology, services, commodities, one can see the opportunities of development in the strong bond of our nation with Indian Diaspora. Overseas Indians share a strong bond with their country of origin. This is reflected in their language, cultures and traditions that have been maintained, often over centuries, and continue to be vibrant and unique. It is now being witnessed in the growing popularity of Indian films, dance, music, arts and culture on foreign shores, the strong surge in remittances back home, and the return of many to live and work in India and in their increasing engagement with India's development.

How did India change its Diaspora policies and why?
It is started with the Mahatma Gandhis efforts in South Africa for Indian Diaspora. The struggle was visualized as a segment of emerging nationalism hence it was Gandhis policy of identification and cooperation. But soon after independence in Nehrus foreign policy it Diaspora became important agenda as he not only thought about betterment for them as other politician were thinking in that time but he also wanted cooperation from them. But after Africa and Kenya homeland issues during 1960s proved Indians Diaspora in Africa as an obstacle more than an asset in diplomatic relations. Moreover Indian settlers thought Nehru as Hindu communist and refused any assistance. This widen gulf was finally filled by Mrs. Gandhi who dubbed Indian settlers as AMBESSDOR OF INDIA. During 80s pro Diaspora feeling increased as inflowing of remittance from gulf countries was attractive. So finally a paradigm shift can be seen in our foreign policy.
Let us see our government incentives and policies toward this approach-
In 1977 seminar held in Delhi to consider the current status of oversees communities and their issues. Finally in 2000 a committee was framed by ministry of external affairs to make a comprehensive study of Indian Diaspora and recommendation for constructive relationship with them. The study can be viewed in spheres like education,culture,health,international trade development etc where names like Amartya Sen ,Pt. Ravi Shankar,V.S. Naipaul etc are prominent.
Three main recommendations of report about PIO CARD scheme (dual citizenship), PRAWASI BHARTIYA DIWASA, PRAWSI BHARTIYA SAMMAN AWARDS have been adopted.
Some recommendations of report related with the Issues that often suffer overseas citizen are-
1. Misbehaving of officials at security and custom desk, hygiene problem at airports.
2. Regulatory requirement of government related with tax certificate clearance.
3. Welfare of Indian women married to NRIs/PIOs.
4. Problems of overseas Indian labour (indian recent agreement with tajakistan)
5. Involvement of Diaspora in SEZ,FDI, other projects and their financial cooperation.
Some new initiatives that government has come up with

1. Gandhi Prawasi Suraksha Scheme- (MGPSY) for overseas India workers in ECR (emigration check required) Countries aims to encourage and enable the workers to meet their three major needs. It helps them to save for their pension in old age through NPS-Lite (National Pension Scheme); save for their return and resettlement and obtain free cost of life insurance cover.

2. Know India Program-it is a three-week orientation programme for Diaspora youth conducted with a view to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, Science & Technology, Communication & Information Technology, culture..

3. Study India Plan- It will enable overseas Indian youth to undergo short term course in an Indian University to familiarize them with the history, heritage, art, culture, socio-political, economic developments etc. of India.

4. Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children-launched by MOIA in 2006-07 to make higher education in India accessible to the children of overseas Indians and promote India as a center for higher studies.

5. Overseas Indian Youth Club-The purpose is to keep the overseas Indian youth in touch with the developments in India and create a sense of belonging towards their Country of origin.

6. Tracing The Roots Scheme-launched in 2008 to trace the details of applicant.

In recent time Indian Diaspora is vastly distributed across the world but within an year or two some nations have been in news for the issues of Indian overseas communities. The policies of some developed and developing countries do affect Indian interest. We can have the examples of some of them-


1. Malaysia-HINDRAF has been in news recently.it is a community of hindu right action force which is working for preservation of their minority rights against government. In 2007 government banned it as a national threat to security.

2. UAE-gulf countries having both blue and white collar workers from india but there have been always news of their physical abuses, delay in wages ,restricting passport etc.

3. Ireland-Sawita Hallapanwars abortion news made everybody shocked as refusal of abortion by official authority that led to her death.

4. Norway-Indian parents are accused for abusing their children by court.

5. Saudi Arab-Nitaqat law (naturalization) that made mandatory recruitment of locals in private sector. It became worrisome for Kerala.

6. US-its immigration bill that is hurting Indian IT sector as it makes mandatory for firms with temporary foreign employees to pay a fee for each such non-US national. It may also prevent any firm from hiring people on H1-B visas if 50% of its employees are not Americans. Also a issue of killing in gurudwara.

7. UK-same visa issue and Sikh genocide and its activism.

8. Mauritius-its president was chief guest in PBD-2013.

9. Turkey-anti government protest and uprising gave threat to Indians and racism is another issue.
There is also some another countries a Sri Lanka (Tamil ethnic), china (Indian spouses in china and their PIO card issue), Syria (Indians suffering due to civil war).

With our all initiatives we became successful to create small India even outside of country. Our socio-culture linkages became strong by the efforts of cyberspace, films, Diaspora writings etc. even globalization helped a lot to create new phenomena of Transnationalism (process by which immigrant build social linkages with host and destination country).with the rapid progress in field of social, economical, religion, political ties, the concept of BRAIN DRAIN converted into BRAIN CIRCULATION (two way flow of professionals, educational).
But we need to be cautious about making generalization of Diasporas as there may emerge new identity tendency within its member on basis of cast, religion, language etc. so next step in our Diaspora policy should be conclusion of its pro and cons.
REFERENCE-

1. IGNOU

2. MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS AND MINISTERY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
NEHA SRIVASTAVA

INDIAN CITIZENSHIP LAWS

Confornment of citizrenship governed by ARTICLES 5 TO 11
PART II of the Constitution of India

Legislations with respect Indian Citizenship laws follows
to citizenship are : JUS SANGUINIS (by right of blood) &
not JUS SOLI (by right of birth within territory)
The citizenship Act , 1955
which has been amended 4 times :
1. Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1986 1st citizen The President Of India
2. Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1992
3. Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003 maybe a Naturalised Citizen or
4. Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005by Birth a Citizen of India

Background :
Until August 15,1947 Indians British Subjects
Until January 23,1950 Indians Still British Subjects (unless they apply for citizenship of any other country) owing to : Section 18(3) of the Indian Independence Act which provided for that laws of British India shall prevail over two dominions until legislatures form their own laws.
26 January , 1950 onwards Citizens of India
+ Commonwealth citizen (by virtue of their Indian citizenship and India's membership of the Commonwealth.) {Provision repealed by Citizenship (Amendment Act) 2003}

Importance of having nationality laws :
People of a country categorised as Citizens & Aliens
1. Friendly Aliens : subjects of countries
having cordial relations with India
Enjoyslesser rights 2. Enemy Aliens : subjects of countries
than citizens or friendly aliensat war with India
ex. They dont enjoy Article 22
(protection against arrest & detention)

Priviliges to citizens only :

1. Eligibility to hold certain Constitutional public offices

2. Right to contest in Legislatures

3. Right to vote

4. Certain Fundamental Rights
a. Article 15 : Right against discrimination on various grounds
b. Article 16 : Right of equality of opportunities in public employment
c. Article 29/30 : Cultural & Educational Rights

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS :
Articles 5-11 doesnt provide elaborate provisions as to citizenship laws but empowered Parliament to make laws for the same hence Citizenship Act 1955.
Constitutionally citizenship was provided to following four categories:
ARTICLE 5 a. person domiciled in India
+ Any 1 of the conditions : 1. Born in India
2. Either of his parents born in India
3. Ordinarily resident of India for 5 years before 26 Jan 1950

ARTICLE 6 a. migrated from Pakistan to India + he/either of parents/any of grandparents
born in undivided India
+ Any 1 of the conditions : 1. Migration to India before 19 July 1948 : ordinarily residing
after migrating to India
2. On or after 19 July 1948 : Registered as citizen of India.

Resident in India for 6 months
preceding date of application for registration.

ARTICLE 7 Migrated to Pakistan after 1 March 1947 but returned to India for
resettlement .
Indian Citizen if Resident of India for 6 months preceding date of app for registration.

ARTICLE 8 Overseas Indians : Person residing outside India but any
of Parents/Grandparents born in undivided India
Indian Citizen if registered as Indian citizen by his consular representative in his resident country whether before or after Constitution of India enacted.
Summary :

Article 5Person domiciled in India

Article 6Persons Migrated from Pakistan

Article 7Persons migrated to Pakistan But Returned

Article 8PIO


Other provisions in the Constitution :
ARTICLE 9 No person deemed to be Indian if voluntarily acquires citizenship
of another country.
Also, according to The Passports Act 1967, a person has to surrender his
Indian passport, it is a punishable offense under the act if he fails to surrender
ARTICLE 10 Every person deemed to be citizen shall continue to be so subject to
provisions of any law made by Parliament.
ARTICLE 11 Parliament shall have power to make any provision to acquisition or
termination of citizenship laws.

PROVISIONS UNDER CITIZENSHIP ACT 1955


Acquisition ofCitizenship
1. By Birth
2. By Descent
3. By Registration
4. By Naturalisation
5. By Incorporation of a Territory

Loss of Citizenship
1. By Renunciation
2. By termination
3. By Deprivation


BY BIRTH :

Born Between Citizen if

26/01/1950 1/7/1987Citizen irrespective of parents nationality

1/7/1987 3/12/2004either of his parents citizen at the time of his birth

3/12/2004 onwardsBoth citizens , or one citizen & other not illegal migrant


* Children of foreign diplomats posted in India & enemy aliens cant acquire citizenship by birth.
BY DESCENT :

Born OUTSIDE India betweenCitizen if

26 Jan 1950 10 Dec 1992His father citizen at the time of his birth

10 Dec 1992 3 Dec 2004Either of his parents citizen at the time of his birth

3 Dec 2004 onwards NOT an Indian citizen if birth not registered at an Indian Consulate within one year (after one year with permission from central Govt)+ Undertaking from the Parent that minor child doesnt hold passport of any other country.


BY REGISTRATION : Central Govt may on application can register any of the following :

1. PIO ordinarily residing in India for 7 Years before making application

2. PIO ordinarily residing outside undivided India

3. Person married to citizen of India + residing for 7 years in India before app

4. Minor children of citizens of India

5. Person of full age and capacity having parents as Indian Citizens

6. Person of full age who or his parents earlier citizens of India + residing for 1 year now

7. OCI for 5 years & residing in India for one year before application.


* Ordinarily Resident Resident of India for 12 months throughout before making app
+ Resided for 6 years before 12 months as above in last 8 years.

BY NATURALISATION : Central Government on application may naturalise if possess all
of the given qualifications :

1. Not a subject of any country where Indians are preventing from becoming naturalised
citizens of that country.

2. Undertakes to renounce the citizenship of other country.

3. Resided in India or in service of India for 12 months preceding the app

4. In last 14 years preceding the 12 months , has resided in India for 11 years.

5. He is of a good character

6. Has an adequate knowledge of any language specified in 8th Schedule

7. That in the event of grant of citizenship he intends to reside in India


* However GOI may waive all or any of the qualifications in case of a person who has rendered distinguished service

* Every naturalised citizen to take oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India.

BY INCORPORATION OF A TERRITORY : Citizen from the notified date of acquisition
of such territory.
LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP :
BY RENUNCIATION: Any citizen can make a declaration of renunciation

* If such declaration made during a war , its registration shall be withheld

* Every minor child also loses citizenship (can be renewed after completing 18 years)

BY TERMINATION : When Indian citizen acquires citizenship of other country.
Provision doesnt apply when India is at a war.

BY DEPRIVATION: Compulsory termination by GOI if :

* Citizenship obtained by fraud

* Disloyalty towards Constitution of India

* Unlawfully traded with enemy at war.

* Within 5 years of naturalisation , imprisoned in any country for two years

* Ordinarily resident outside India for 7 years continuously.


OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP OF INDIA : launched during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention at Hyderabad in 2006.
The Central Indian Government, on application, may register any person as an OCI if -

* was a citizen of India on 26 January 1950 or at any time thereafter; or

* belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15 August 1947; or

* is the child or grandchild of a person described above;
+

* has never been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh;
+

* has had no involvement in serious offences like drug trafficking, moral turpitude, terrorist activities or anything leading to imprisonment of more than a year.

* Applicant's country of citizenship allows dual citizenship (even though OCI is not strictly Indian citizenship per se).
Benefits of getting an OCI Card :

1. Multi-entry , multi-purpose lifelong visa for entering India

2. Exemption from registration with police for any duration of stay

3. Can undertake all activities in India except Mountaineering , missionary research work & visiting protected areas.

PERSONS OF INDIAN ORIGIN : Valid for 15 years.
Issued to any person currently holding foreign passport
+ can prove their Indian origin up to three generations before.

* Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries as may be specified by the central government are not eligible for grant of Persons of Indian Origin card

Benefits of having a PIO Card:

1. No separate visa to visit India

2. children can obtain admission in educational institutions in India in the general category quota for non-resident Indians

3. open rupee bank accounts, lend in rupees to Indian residents, and make investments in Indiaetc

4. acquire, hold, transfer, or dispose of immovable properties in India, except for agricultural properties
Namit (goodwill entry)

INDIAN DIASPORA/ MOIA/SCHEMES FOR ID

INDIAN DIASPORA/ MOIA/SCHEMES FOR ID
The Indian Diaspora, comprising People of Indian origin and Non-Resident Indians, as India itself, constitutes a heterogeneous and global community, representing diversity of forms, types, geographies and times of formation
We could look at them as a significant strategic resource for India as they have considerably added to knowledge, innovation and development across the globe.
Contemporary flows from India are of two kinds: The first is the emigration of highly skilled professionals, workers and students with tertiary and higher educational qualifications migrating to developed countries, particularly to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. This flow started after Indian independence and gathered momentum with the emigration of IT professional in the 1990s. The second is the flow of unskilled and semi-skilled workers going mostly to the Gulf countries and Malaysia, following the oil boom in the Gulf countries, mainly from Kerala and other south Indian states. Of late, however northern states in India like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have also emerged as the leading states of origin for such migration. Diaspora associations also help to channel remittances, capital and investments to benefit not only home communities, but also by developing partnerships with host country counterparts, benefiting both. The same can be said of the exchange of skills, cuisines, ideas, knowledge and technology.
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA)
Its Mission is to establish a robust and vibrant institutional framework to facilitate and support mutually beneficial networks with and among Overseas Indians to maximise the development impact for India and enable overseas Indians to invest in and benefit from the opportunities in India.
1. To bring a strategic dimension to India's engagement with its Diaspora.
2. Tap the investible diasporic community in terms of knowledge and resources in diversified economic, social and cultural areas.
3. Offer customized solutions to meet the varied expectations of the Overseas Indian community
Global Indian Network of Knowledge
(Global-INK), an electronic platform to facilitate transfer of knowledge with the objective of leveraging the expertise, skills and experience of Overseas Indians.

The Representation of Peoples Amendment Act, 2010 has been passed conferring voting rights on overseas Indian passport holders.
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)
Keeping in view Government's deep commitment of engaging Persons of Indian Origin with the land of their ancestors in a mutually beneficial relationship, the Overseas Citizenship of India(OCI) Scheme was launched in August, 2005 by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955. The OCI Scheme is operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Scheme provides for registration as Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) of all Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of Indiaon or after 26 January, 1950 or were eligible to become citizens of India on 26 January, 1950
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is conferred on Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin or Organizations or Institutions established and run by Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin, who have excelled in their fields which has enhanced India's prestige in their country of residence and who have made
(i) significant contribution towards better understanding abroad of India and supported India's causes and concerns in a tangible way;
(ii) significant contribution for the welfare of the diaspora;
(iii) notable contribution in philanthropic and charitable work and for social and humanitarian causes in India and abroad;
(iv) significant contribution in building closer links between India and its diaspora in the economic, cultural and scientific fields; and
(v) for eminence in their skills which has enhanced India's prestige in that country.
It is conferred by the President of India as a part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention. PBSA is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians.
The objective of the Ministry's Know India Programme is to help familiarize Indian Diaspora youth, in the age group of 18-26 years, with developments and achievements made by the country and bringing them closer to the land of their ancestors.
The Ministry is implementing a comprehensive e-governance project on migration. The e-Migrate Project aims to transform emigration into a simple, transparent, orderly and humane process. The Project is aimed at improving the quality of services to emigrant workers and help reduce, to a great extent, corruption, malpractices and irregular migration and thereby facilitate legal and orderly migration. After eMigrate system is launched; employers in ECR countries will find an easy, fast and transparent way of conducting recruitments from India.
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)
Overseas Indian workers face a number of risks. The nature of risks include high costs of migration, non/delayed/under payment of salaries, poor living and working conditions, physical abuse, fraudulent recruitment practices, difficulties in resettlement on return, financial insecurity, and vulnerability against emergencies.
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) Scheme provides
1. emergency medical care
2. financially sustainable social security and support services
Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY)
"Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY)" is a specially designed social security scheme for the unskilled and semi-skilled Overseas Indian workers, with ECR passports and employed on temporary work permits across 17 ECR countries.
The objective of the scheme is to encourage and enable such overseas Indian workers and by giving government contribution to (a) save for their return and resettlement, (b) save for their pension and (c) get a life insurance cover against natural death.
Prime Minister's Global Advisory Council of People of Indian Origin (PMGAC-OI)
The functions of the Council are:
(i)Serve as a platform for the Prime Minister to draw upon the experience, knowledge and wisdom of the best Indian minds wherever they may be based;
(ii)Develop an inclusive agenda for a two-way engagement between India and Overseas Indians;
(iii)Consider ways and means for accessing the skills and knowledge of the Indian Diaspora for meeting India's development goals and facilitating investments by Overseas Indians into India

REFERENCES:
* MOIA WEBSITE
* INDIA YEAR BOOK
PRATIK POMANNAWAR