KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Gov. Scheme)

Context: The Flagship programme of the External Affairs Ministry-‘Know India Programme’ for the youth diaspora has completed its 20 years.

Know India Programme

• About: It is a flagship programme of Ministry of External Affairs for engagement with Indian origin youth (between 21-35 years).
• The programme has been in existence since 2003
• Objective: To enhance their awareness about India, its cultural heritage, art and to familiarise them with various aspects of contemporary India.
• Participants: Open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) from all over the world with preference to those from Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad &Tobago;, South Africa, Jamaica.
• Duration: 21 days’ programme (excluding international travel).
• Qualification: Graduation from a recognized University /Institute or enrolled for graduation and ability to speak in English.

SWADES scheme

• Objective - to conduct a skill mapping exercise of the returning citizens under the vande bharat mission (repatriation mission for Indians stranded abroad due to COVID-19).
• Aim: To create a database of qualified citizens to tap into and fulfil demand of Indian and foreign companies.
• Ministry: It is a joint initiative of the ministry of skill development & entrepreneurship (MSDE), the ministry of civil aviation and the ministry of external affairs.

oMSDE’s implementation arm national skill development corporation (NSDC) is supporting the implementation of the project.