Bihar Foundation Hosts Videsh Sampark Program with Ministry of External Affairs in Patna

Discussion held to address issues and challenges of Bihar diaspora

Patna, July 20, 2024:

The Bihar Foundation, Government of Bihar, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, held the Videsh Sampark program today in Patna. The program was co-chaired by Shri Chaitanya Prasad, Development Commissioner, and Shri Muktesh K. Pardeshi, Secretary (CPV & OIA), MEA. The program was also attended by Shri. Ankan Banerjee, Joint Secretary (DE), Ministry of External Affairs; Shri Neeraj Agarwal, Joint Secretary (CPV), Ministry of External Affairs; Shri Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary (ED), Ministry of External Affairs; Ms. Tavishi Behal Pandey, RPO, Patna; and Shri Kundan Kumar, Resident Commissioner cum Investment Commissioner and CEO of Bihar Foundation. Senior officials from various departments of Bihar, recruitment agencies, and senior officials from district and police administrations were also present.

The program began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and progressed towards its primary objective of raising awareness about various initiatives and schemes of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Shri Chaitanya Prasad, Development Commissioner, Bihar-cum-Member Secretary of Bihar Foundation, said in his address, “I welcome MEA officials to Patna and believe that they will bring strong resolutions to the problems faced by the diaspora of Bihar living outside the state. The ongoing riots in Bangladesh, the Sudan rescue operations, and the COVID-19 pandemic have severely disrupted communications between families and the diaspora. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) plays a crucial role in re-establishing these connections. It should also be noted that the diaspora of Bihar often face significant challenges, including discrimination and exploitation, especially among unskilled labourers abroad. These individuals often have their passports and other documents withheld by employers, making it difficult for them to connect with home or return. Legal migration issues are critical for these labourers, many of whom are unaware of their rights. I expect continued support from the MEA to assist the diaspora of Bihar.”

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Shri Muktesh K. Pardeshi, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, said, “I am happy to be back in Patna to work with you on creating opportunities and boosting investments. I am pleased that Videsh Sampark has brought me here. It is often understood that conducting foreign affairs is the work of the Central government, but it is also true that state governments, provinces, and municipalities play a crucial role. Take Bihar, for example, which shares borders with Nepal and Bhutan. People cross these borders daily, and there are significant livelihood issues. You can imagine the vital role Bihar plays in sustaining diplomatic relations with Nepal. This initiative should be called Videsh Rajya Sampark. As MEA officials, we visit states and engage with them. As mentioned by the Development Commissioner, during times of crisis, citizens need to be evacuated. This involves compensation, insurance, and even repatriating the bodies of the deceased. All of this cannot be achieved without the help of the state.

“More than 40 million people from Bihar are living outside the state and with such programs, we want to let them know about their rights, which they can utilize for a better living,” he added.

Shri Kundan Kumar, Resident Commissioner cum Investment Commissioner and CEO of Bihar Foundation, said, “The district administrations are the first responders, and this program serves as a workshop for all of us to learn how to address the problems faced by the diaspora. The MEA has collaborated with the Government of Bihar to enlighten both the diaspora about their rights and the district and police administrations about their roles in finding effective solutions. I encourage everyone to raise their issues and engage in a two-way discussion to ensure a fruitful event.”

Thematic sessions were held to discuss various topics, including “Engagement with the Overseas Indian Community,” “Welfare and Protection of Overseas Indians,” “Trade & Investment: Opportunities and Challenges,” “Passport Services,” “Safe and Legal Migration,” and “Skill Enhancement, and Workers’ Welfare.”

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