22 Oct : The Government is considering a proposal to establish an ‘Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)’ to provide funding support to the Indian Missions in the Emigration Clearance Required (ECR) Countries for the welfare of the workers who are in distress. The details of the Scheme are being finalized.The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has also undertaken a Scheme for Skill Up-gradation and Pre-departure Orientation of prospective emigrant workers. The objective of the Scheme is to upgrade the skills of the Indian workers and equip them with the basic knowledge about laws, language and culture of the destination Countries with a view to enhance their prospects in the overseas employment market and to enable them to move up in the wage chain.
The Scheme is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), select State Governments, apex Industrial Associations and leading NGOs in the field. Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is extending financial assistance @ Rs. 5000/- per trainee to these implementing Agencies.
This information was given by Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Shri Vayalar Ravi in the Lok Sabha today.