Lok Sabha Question No. 220 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-02
Subject: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Manne Srinivas Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-220

## ANSWERED ON- 02/02/2024

## PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS

## 220. SHRI MANNE SRINIVAS REDDY

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

- (a) whether the Government has held Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and also held a quiz on Indian achievers on foreign shores on the occasion that is observed on January 9;
- (b) if so, the details and outcome thereof;
- (c)   the   suggestions   received   along   with   the   corrective   steps   being taken thereon and results yielded therefrom till now;
- (d) the funds sanctioned/spent till date, State-wise since 2014 onwards
- to till date, year-wise and country-wise; and
- (e) the future action plan worked out for 2047 in this regard and steps
- being taken till now?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a   to   e)   The   17 th Pravasi   Bharatiya   Divas   (PBD)   Convention   was organised from 08-10 January 2023, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The 17 th   PBD Convention was inaugurated by Prime Minister in the presence of Chief Guest, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and the Special Guest of Honour, H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Hon'ble President of the Republic of Suriname.  Prime   Minister   released   a   Commemorative   Postal   Stamp underlining the importance of safe, legal, orderly and skilled migration. Prime Minister also inaugurated the first-ever digital PBD Exhibition on theme "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav - Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle' to highlight the contribution of our diaspora freedom fighters   in   India's   Independence.   Rashtrapati   Smt.   Droupadi   Murmu

presided over the Valedictory Session and conferred Pravasi Bharatiya

Samman Awards 2023 to select Indian diaspora members to recognize their  achievements and honour their contributions in various fields, both in India and abroad.

The 17 th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas included a Youth segment & a State segment which provided a platform for youth from India to interact and engage with the Diaspora Youth. The PBD Convention had five thematic Plenary   sessions   chaired   at   Ministerial-level,   featuring   panel discussions involving eminent diaspora experts. A Special Town Hall was also organised in view of India's Presidency of the G20.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conventions are organised to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Overseas Indian community and their contribution to the development of India. The 17 th  PBD Convention held special significance as it was organized as a physical event after a gap of four years and the first physical Convention of Pravasis after the onset   of   Covid-19   pandemic.   The   Convention   witnessed   very enthusiastic participation from the overseas Indians from nearly 70 countries. The 17 th   PBD Convention was an overwhelming success in terms of renewing the bonding and connect with the Diaspora, and laying the foundation for their participation and contribution to the growth and development of India in the 'Amrit Kaal.'

Year-wise   budgetary   allocation   for   the   Pravasi   Bharatiya   Divas Convention is appended hereunder:

| Financial Year   |   Budget Allocation (in Rs. Crores) |
|------------------|-------------------------------------|
| 2014-15          |                               17    |
| 2015-16          |                               13.41 |
| 2016-17          |                               10    |
| 2017-18          |                               10    |
| 2018-19          |                               24    |
| 2019-20          |                                9.12 |
| 2020-21          |                               22    |
| 2021-22          |                                5    |
| 2022-23          |                               30    |
| 2023-24          |                               15    |

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