The following is the schedule proposed for the three Know India Programmes (KIPs) to be organized by this Ministry during 2009-2010:

2. Duration of each of these KIPs would be 3 weeks - exact dates would be conveyed on finalization of the respective programme, at least a month before its commencement. These programmes are organized in partnership with concerned State Governments while logistical support is provided by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Guidelines and application form for these programmes are attached as Annexure - I & Annexure - II respectively.

3. The participants are provided local hospitality e.g. boarding/lodging in State guest houses or budget hotels and internal travel. They are also given per diem allowance of Rs. 100/- for out-of-pocket expenses. They may be granted gratis visa.

4. Until the 11^th KIP, 50% of the international airfare by the cheapest economy class travel was reimbursable to the participants after they had successfully taken part in them. With a view to enable the less affluent Diaspora youth to take advantage of KIPs, it has been decided to reimburse 90% of the international airfare by the cheapest economy class travel to participants selected for the 12^th and subsequent KIPs subject to their successfully taking part in the respective programmes.

5. The content of the programme may include the following:

(a) Presentations on the country, political process, developments in various sectors,

(b) Interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious University/College/Institute,

(c) Presentation on the industrial development and visits to some

Industries,

(d) Visit to a village to better understand the typical village life,

(e) Exposure to Indian media,

(f) Interaction with NGOs and organizations dealing with women affairs,

(g) Visit to places of historical importance/Monuments,

(h) Taking part in Cultural programmes,

(i) Exposure to yoga,

(j) 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.

6. Broad guidelines to be followed while making nominations for KIPs are as under:

• The Programme is open to youth of Indian Origin (excluding NRIs) in the age group of 18-26 years as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to start. It is open to PIOs from all over the world. A fair mix of males and females is expected.

• The total number of participants in any of the Programme may not exceed 40.

• The candidates should either be studying in the under-graduate level or should have completed under-graduation or equivalent.

• ?hey 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]

• They should have distinguished themselves in a particular field and should have abiding interest in India.

• They should not have participated in any previous Know India Programme or Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth.

7. The actual number of participants to be taken from each country would depend on the responses received from other countries. Our effort would be to accommodate at least one nominee recommended by each Head of Mission/Post. Missions/Posts should assign the order of priority in which candidates recommended by them are to be considered. Name of applicants selected for a particular Know India Programme would be communicated at least a month before its commencement.

8. The selected candidates are not permitted to leave the programme mid-way. They are expected to follow the entire programme as a group and stay at places designated/selected for this purpose.

9. Details of the Programme are also available on the Ministry's website http://moia.gov.in as well as on the websitehttp://knowindiaprogram.com/.

10. Interested candidates may submit the application in the prescribed form. Application may be submitted in person to Mr. S. K. Kalra, Counsellor, after prior appointment through his secretary Mr. Ashok who could be contacted at 011-4823423. Last date of submission of application in the Consulate is June 20, 2009.