Aadhar to NRIs

Aadhar to NRIs 

Aadhar enrolment activities are proposed to be expanded to cover all Resident Indians, Non-Resident Indians, OCI/PIO persons and visa holding visitors to empower them with a unique identity/identifier that can be authenticated on a digital platform anytime from anywhere. In a written reply in Lok Sabha today, the Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs General V.K. Singh (Retd.) said that following this decision, initiated by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been taking necessary action for the purpose. The NRI population is estimated to be over 1.13 crore, most of whom may be eligible to avail of this facility, he added.

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Welfare of Indian Citizens 

In pursuance of “Good Governance” initiatives, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) launched an online Consular Grievances Monitoring System, named ‘MADAD’, on 21st February 2015, to extend a helping hand to Indians abroad requiring consular assistance. In collaboration with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), the MEA addresses complaints received through MADAD Portal. It allows direct registration of grievances and effective tracking of the entire grievance handling process all the way until the redressal of the grievance. 

All our Missions and Posts abroad and the MEA's Branch Secretariats in Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad and Kolkata, have been linked to this portal for consular grievance tracking and follow-up. In addition, the names, contact details of all officers and an emergency contact number in our Missions and Posts abroad are available on the websites of our Missions. 

In a written reply in Lok Sabha today Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs General V.K. Singh (Retd.) said that the Government has signed MoUs on labour with major labour receiving countries, namely Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Malaysia. Also an agreement on labour cooperation for Domestic Sector Workers (DSWs) was also signed with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2014. Under these MOU's/ Agreement, Joint Working Groups are constituted to find solutions to bilateral labour problems. 

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Sea Bed Polymetallic Nodules 

Government of India signed a 15 year contract with International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exploration of polymetallic nodules from Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) in 2002. In written replies to questions by members in the Lok Sabha today, the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and for Earth Sciences Shri. Y.S.Chowdary said, the polymetallic sulfides are expected to contain rare earth minerals including gold and silver. The Government of India has an area of 75000 sq km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) and close grid bathymetric surveys have been carried for Polymetallic Nodules in this area. A Test Mine Site (TMS) has been tentatively identified within the First Generation Mine Site (FGMS) for further detailed studies. 

Seven cruises were undertaken to collect scientific data and samples pertaining to polymetallic sulfides along Central Indian Ridge (CIR) & Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) region of the Indian Ocean in the year 2012-13. Based on the outcome of these surveys, India submitted an application for exclusive rights of exploration of polymetallic sulfides at a site of 10000 sq km along CIR & SWIR in Indian Ocean in 2013, which was approved by International Seabed Authority (ISA) in 2014. 

As a part of development, a crawler based prototype shallow bed mining system has been developed and demonstrated at a water depth of 512 m. Extraction of copper, nickel and cobalt from polymetallic nodules has been demonstrated in a pilot plant with a capacity to process 500 kg nodules per day at Hindustan Zinc Limited, Udaipur. 

Oceanographic Research vessels Sagar Kanya, Sagar Sampada, Sagar Manjusha and Sagar Nidhi of Ministry of Earth Sciences, Samudra Ratnakar of Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines and Sindhu Sankalp and Sindhu Sadhana of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research are deployed for ocean research. 

The minister said the programme is at a stage of developing relevant technologies for harvesting polymetallic nodules lying at 4000m to 5000m water depth. Initial estimated resource of polymetallic nodules in the site retained by India in the Central Indian Ocean Basin is about 380 Million Metric Tonne (MMT) with 0.55 MMT of Cobalt, 4.7 MMT of Nickel, 4.29 MMT of Copper and 92.59 MMT of Manganese. However, the actual estimates will vary depending upon the new results of detailed survey and exploration coupled with results of test mining of nodules upon developing the mining technology, he added. 

Exploration of Gas Hydrates has also been carried out by conducting 3D seismic survey in the Krishna-Godavari and the Mahanadi basins. 

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Increase in Fellowships 

The Department of Science and Technology, acting as nodal Department on behalf of all Scientific Departments, has increased the Fellowship/Scholarship to the research students working in areas of Science and Technology across Institutes in the Country with effect from 1st October 2014. The Department has also enhanced the Fellowship being provided to the women researchers under its ‘Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing’ (KIRAN) initiative with effect from 1st January 2015 to encourage them to undertake Research and Development. 

The Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Shri Y.S.Chaowdary said in a reply to Lok Sabha Question in the Parliament. 

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Meeting of Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan with Japanese Minister of State for Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology (MEXT) Mr. Motoyuki FUJII. 

Mr. Motoyuki Fujii, Japanese Minister of State for Science & Technology, Education, Culture, and Sports (MEXT) had a call-on meeting with Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences today in Delhi. Both the Ministers acknowledged that India and Japan enjoy a three decades old productive bilateral Science & Technology partnership which has resulted into significant knowledge generation and building a network of scientific excellence. It was noted that following the Summit meeting between the Prime Minister’s of India and Japan, both sides have now agreed to launch the next phase of an exclusive Indian Beam line at the photon factory at KEK, Tsukubato initiate study on advanced materials for energy research. Furthermore, the INSPIRE program of Department of Science & Technology (DST) has been linked with the SAKURA program of Japan through which 60 bright high school students from India visited Japan last June. This program will be further augmented by enabling more science students to participate. It was agreed that both countries should establish closer ties amongst the young and future researchers and for that to happen India would host the 2016 Asian Science Camp in Bangalore in partnership with Japan Science & Technology Agency (JST) in which more than 225 research students from Asia will be participating and interacting with peers. 

Dr. Harsh Vardhan suggested that both India and Japan have a strong base in science, technology and innovation and together they should play a crucial role as leading knowledge economies to address societal challenges in areas such as energy, disaster management, manufacturing and health. Japanese Science Minister also echoed the need to direct the future Indo-Japan S&T collaboration by making it more relevant in solving the needs of the people of both the countries. 

Both sides agreed to launch new model of collaboration through establishing joint laboratories through virtual networking of R&D institutions in areas of mutual interest such as digital technology, big data, marine biology, health& disease biology; promote academia-industry programs and importantly support mobility of young scientists and students. Dr. Harsh Vardhan extended an offer to Japan to be the partner country for the 2017 Technology Summit organized by DST along with CII. This event he said will help to connect knowledge industries and academia from both countries. 

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Eco-Tourism 

The Ministry of Tourism has taken several initiatives to boost tourism including Eco-Tourism in the country. However, promotion and development of tourism including Eco-Tourism is the responsibility of the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for tourism infrastructure projects including Eco-Tourism projects that are complete as per existing scheme guidelines and are sanctioned subject to availability of scheme/funds and utilization of funds released earlier. The following initiatives are taken by the Ministry to boost Eco-Tourism in the country:

(i)        Evolved & adopted Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for three major segments of the tourism industry, namely accommodation, tour operators, and Beaches, Backwaters, Lakes & Rivers sectors, applicable for the entire country.
(ii)       Guidelines for approval of Hotel Projects at the implementation stage and also for Classification/Re-classification of operational hotels under various categories mandate incorporation of various eco-friendly measures like installation of Sewage Treatment Plant, Rain water Harvesting, Waste Management System, Pollution Control and Introduction of non-Chlorofluorocarbon equipment for refrigeration and air conditioners, energy and water conservation measures.
(iii)     Promoting Eco-Tourism, inter-alia through domestic and international campaigns and also by supporting seminars, conference and events focusing on development of Eco-Tourism in the country, from time to time.

(c): Under the Eco-Tourism theme, under newly launched “Swadesh Darshan theme based scheme” for development of tourism infrastructure, following proposals are received in the Ministry:


Sl. No. State - Name of the Project
1 Telangana - Integrated Development of Eco Tourism circuit in Mahaboobnagar District
2 Chhattisgarh - Integrated Development of Eco Tourism circuit in Rajmergarh–Kabir Chabutra-Achanakmar Tiger Reserve- Kurdar-Sirpur-Kodar Dam-Gangrel Dam-Kanger Valley National Park
3 Kerala - Integrated Development of Eco Tourism circuit in Gavi – Pathanamthitta


This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation Dr Mahesh Sharma in reply to an unstarred question today in Rajya Sabha.
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Foreign Tourist Arrivals Touches 7.68 Million Mark in 2014 

The numbers of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) to India during 2012, 2013 and 2014 were 6.58 million, 6.97 million and 7.68 million, respectively. 

Some of the factors responsible for inbound tourists to and outbound tourists from any country, including India, are economic conditions of the source and destination countries, air connectivity, availability of reasonably priced hotel accommodation, good tourism infrastructure, etc. 

The figures of FTAs do not include the arrivals of NRIs whereas the figures of INDs include the departures of NRIs. 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation Dr Mahesh Sharma in reply to an unstarred question today in Rajya Sabha. 

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Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism register a growth of 8.05% in the period July 2014-June 2015 over the same period of 2013-14 

Rs.33.17 Crore Sanctioned For Development of Budhhist Circuit During the year 2014-15. 

The Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India during July, 2014 – June, 2015 was Rs.1,24,488 Crore with a growth rate of 8.05% over July, 2013 – June, 2014. 

The Ministry of Tourism does not compile the exclusive data of domestic and foreign tourists visiting Buddhist sites. However, 12819.52 Lakh Domestic Tourist Visits and 223.35 Lakh Foreign Tourist Visits to different States/UTs, including the visits to Buddhist sites during 2014 have been reported. 

The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Swadesh Darshan scheme with a vision to develop theme based tourist circuits on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner by synergizing efforts to focus on needs and concerns of all stakeholders to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities. The Ministry has identified Buddhist Circuit as one of the twelve thematic circuits identified for development under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. 

For development of Budhhist Circuit, Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned Rs.33.17 Crore during the year 2014-15. 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation Dr Mahesh Sharma in reply to an unstarred question today in Rajya Sabha. 

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Rs. 84495.62 Lakh Funds to States/UTs for Developing Tourism Destinations and Circuits in 2014-15 

Rs 84495.62 Lakh funds have been sanctioned to States/UTs for developing tourism destinations and circuits during 2014-15, which Includes Projects relating to Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits (PIDDC), Human Resource Development (HRD), Fairs and Festivals & Rural Tourism.
The Ministry of Tourism (MOT) provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for various tourism projects subject to availability of funds, inter-se priority, liquidation of pending utilization certificates against the funds released earlier and adherence to the relevant scheme guidelines.    
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the following two new schemes pursuant to the Budget 2014-15 announcements.

1.                  Swadesh Darshan for Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits around Specific Themes.
2.                  National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) to beautify and improve the amenities and infrastructure at pilgrimage centres of all faiths.

Twelve theme based circuits i.e. North East Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit and Ramayana Circuit have been identified for development under ‘Swadesh Darshan’.
Under PRASAD, initially twelve cities have been identified namely Ajmer, Amritsar, Amravati, Dwarka, Gaya, Kedarnath, Kamakhaya, Kanchipuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi and Velankanni.
The revised budget allocation for these schemes in the financial year 2014-15 were Rs.20.00 crore and Rs.15.60 crore respectively. In the current financial year, the budget provision for these schemes is Rs.600.00 crore for Swadesh Darshan and Rs. 100.00 crore for PRASAD. These are Central Sector Schemes, hence State/Union Territory-wise allocations have not been made.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation Dr Mahesh Sharma in reply to an unstarred question today in Rajya Sabha.

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Signing of Agreements/MoUs for Cooperation in Tourism 

The Ministry of Tourism has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU’s)/Agreements/Letter of Intent (LoI) with various countries for bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of Tourism. The main objectives of such MoUs/Agreements/LoI signed on an ongoing basis include: 

i) Exchange of information and data related to tourism. 

ii) Cooperation between tourism stakeholders including hotels & tour operators. 

iii) Exchange programmes for cooperation in Human Resource Development. 

iv) Investment in the Tourism and Hospitality sector. 

v) Exchange of visits of Tour Operators/Media/Opinion Makers for promotion of two way tourism. 

vi) Exchange of experience in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination development and management. 

vii) Participation in travel fairs/exhibitions in each other’s country. 

This Ministry has entered into MoU’s/Agreements/LoI with Mauritius, Japan, Australia, Nepal, France, China, Tanzania, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan during the last 02 years i.e. 2013 and 2014 and the current year (to date). 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma in reply to an unstarred question today in Rajya Sabha. 

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Foreign Exchange Earnings of Rs.60,302 crore received by India through Tourism During January-June 2015 

Foreign Exchange Earnings in Jan-June 2015 Register a Growth of 6.2% over same period of previous year 

The Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) to India during January – June, 2015 were 3.85 million with a growth of 3.4% over corresponding period of 2014. The Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India during January – June, 2015 were Rs.60,302 crore with a growth of 6.2% over corresponding period of 2014.

Steps taken by the Government to boost tourism in the country are as below:

i           New Schemes:

Pursuant to the announcement made in the Budget 2014-15, the following two new schemes were launched in 2014-15 under Central Sector: 

a)         Swadesh Darshan - Integrated Infrastructure Development as Theme-Based Tourist Circuits. Twelve Circuits have been identified for development under this Scheme. The circuits identified are North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit and Ramayana Circuit.
b)         National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD). In the first phase, 12 cities have been identified for infrastructure development.  The cities identified are Amritsar, Kedarnath, Ajmer, Mathura, Varanasi, Gaya, Puri, Dwarka, Amravati, Kanchipuram, Vellankanni and Guwahati.

ii.         Central Financial Assistance:

Ministry of Tourism operates various schemes through which Central Financial Assistance (CFA) is provided to States/Union Territories (UTs) and other central agencies for overall development of tourism in the country.

iii.        Publicity and Promotion:

The Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination, including the various tourism destinations and products of every State/Union Territory of the country,  in the domestic and international markets.

As part of its promotional activities, Ministry of Tourism undertakes centralized international media campaigns (prints, electronics and online) under the Incredible India brand-line in key source markets as well as potential markets across the world.

The Ministry of Tourism also provides financial assistance to stakeholders for promotion of tourism in the international and domestic markets under the Marketing Development Assistance Scheme.

iv.        e -Tourist Visa:

At present, e-Tourist Visa facility is available for citizens of 77 countries arriving at 9 airports in India.

The e-Tourist Visa enables the prospective visitor to apply for an Indian Visa from his/her home country online without visiting the Indian Mission and also pay the visa fee online. Once approved, the applicant receives an email authorizing him/her to travel to India and he/she can travel with a print out of this authorization. On arrival, the visitor presents the authorization to the immigration authorities who then stamp the entry into the country.

v.         Cleanliness and Hygiene:

To tackle the problem of hygiene and cleanliness at tourist destinations, the Ministry of Tourism has taken the initiative of Campaign Clean India with a vision to ensure an acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene practices at tourist destinations. This campaign is to be sustained through adoption and involvement of private and public sector stakeholders as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).


vi.        Trained Language Speaking Guides:

Selection and Training of Regional Level Tourist Guides, including linguist guides, is an ongoing process and the Ministry conducts the training programmes, through the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM), periodically.

vii.       Safety of Women Tourists:

The Ministry of Tourism had advised the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations   to set up Tourist Police at prominent tourist spots. As a result, the State Governments /UT Administrations of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have deployed Tourist Police, in one form or the other

This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma in reply to an unstarred question today in Rajya Sabha.

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