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Economic Times
21 hours ago
- General
- Economic Times
Indian Community Welfare Fund: What it is and how it helps citizens abroad
iStock The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), established in 2009, serves as a critical safety net for Indian nationals overseas who are facing any kind of distress or emergencies. Operated on a 'most deserving cases' and 'means tested' basis, the fund was introduced to ensure that assistance reaches those who truly need it. Over the years, ICWF has played a vital role in evacuations from conflict zones, responding to natural disasters, and providing immediate aid during crises. Today, the scheme is operational in all Indian Missions and Posts abroad. In September 2017, the Union Cabinet approved revised guidelines to make the ICWF broader in scope and more responsive. These changes gave Indian Missions greater flexibility to address urgent requests for help from overseas Indians. The guidelines now cover three key areas, direct assistance to distressed nationals, support for community welfare activities, and improvements in consular services. Who is eligible for claiming the fund? The ICWF is strictly for Indian citizens, whether resident in a foreign country or visiting. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are not eligible for individual financial help under the is normally provided only to those who entered the host country legally. However, exceptions can be made in special cases, subject to written approval from the Head of Mission. Every case must be documented, with endorsements made in the beneficiary's passport and in the ICWF database. What does the fund offer 1. Assistance for Indians in distress The ICWF offers various forms of emergency support, which may include: Boarding and lodging for stranded Indians on a means-tested basis, either in budget accommodation or shelters run by Missions or empanelled NGOs. Air tickets to India for stranded nationals unable to afford their return journey. Legal aid for those facing minor criminal charges, false employer allegations, or distress situations, including fishermen, sailors, and students. Support for women who have been abandoned, cheated, or abused by spouses (up to seven years from marriage). Payment of small fines or penalties in cases of minor offences or illegal stay when the worker is not at fault. Repatriation of mortal remains when families or employers cannot bear the cost, or local cremation/burial if required. Emergency medical care in life-threatening cases or for serious disabilities after accidents. 2. Support for community welfare The ICWF also funds initiatives that strengthen the bond between Missions and the Indian diaspora. Examples include: Organising cultural events during Indian festivals or national days through recognised diaspora groups. Funding teachers to promote Indian languages and art abroad. Hosting welfare events for Indian students to address visa, residence, work permit, and financial concerns. Support for community welfare- Indian diaspora funding teachers to promote Indian languages and art abroad, Hosting welfare events for Indian students to address visa 3. Improving consular services To enhance its ability to help Indians overseas, Missions can use ICWF for: Hiring additional staff for consular services. Arranging vehicles for visits to prisons, hospitals, labour camps, or airports during deportations. Engaging local interpreters during official visits. Producing information materials in local languages about labour laws and welfare measures. Running labour or consular camps for migrant workers. Operating 24x7 helplines and walk-in resource centres. Developing e-governance tools for welfare and consular matters. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Tariffs, tantrums, and tech: How Trump's trade drama is keeping Indian IT on tenterhooks Good, bad, ugly: How will higher ethanol in petrol play out for you? As big fat Indian wedding slims to budget, Manyavar loses lustre As 50% US tariff looms, 6 key steps that can safeguard Indian economy Stock Radar: JSPL forms Ascending Triangle pattern on weekly charts, could hit fresh 52-week high soon Nifty and business are different species: 5 small-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of up to 30% F&O Radar | Deploy Bear Put Spread in Nifty to play index's negative stance amid volatility Wealth creation: Look beyond the obvious in some things; 10 fertilizer sector companies worth watching
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Totally unacceptable': Irish president condemns attacks on Indians; calls ties between 2 countries 'vibrant'
Ireland President Michael Higgins (right) with EAM S Jaishankar (File photo/ANI) NEW DELHI: Ireland's President Michael D. Higgins on Tuesday strongly condemned recent violent attacks targeting members of the country's Indian community, some of which have been linked to racism. Also Read: 6-year-old PIO girl and Indian chef latest to be attacked in Ireland 'These despicable attacks stand in direct contradiction to the values we hold dear as a people,' Higgins said in a presidential statement . 'That anyone in Ireland could be drawn into such behaviour is utterly unacceptable and must be condemned without reservation. Whether driven by ignorance or by malice, it is essential to recognise the harm these acts inflict.' He also urged that shared spaces — including online platforms — be protected from 'messages of hate or incitement to violence.' The president further noted that the ties between the two countries are 'neither recent nor superficial,' underscoring the depth and history of the relationship between them, and recalled meeting external affairs minister S Jaishankar earlier this year. Also Read: ' Avoid deserted areas, especially in odd hours,' says Indian embassy after racist assaults in Ireland "...we discussed how much our histories share the experience of paths towards independence, the role of Irish woman Margaret Cousins in establishing the All India Women's Conference, the exchange of expertise as both countries drafted and agreed our Constitutions, and the fostering of diplomatic and political relationships over the decades, relationships which remain vibrant today," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like NRIs Living In Ukraine Are Eligible For INR 2 Lakh Monthly Pension. Invest 18K/Month Get Offer Undo Higgins praised the Indian community in Ireland for its 'immense' contributions to many facets of Irish life — including medicine, nursing, the caring professions, cultural life, business, and enterprise. Also Read: Indian cab driver attacked in Ireland; hit twice on head He emphasised that safeguarding the dignity and safety of all communities is essential to preserving Ireland's values and strengthening its bonds with India.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Telangana high court denies official's appeal for call data records & diary entries in corruption case
Hyderabad: The Telangana high court recently dismissed an appeal filed by a govt employee facing corruption charges. He sought call data records of the complainant in the case and also copies of the entries from the general diary of the office of superintendent of police, ACB Ranga Reddy Range. The accused official, who was was booked on corruption charges in 2019, requested the records under the RTI Act. A division bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice P Sam Koshy observed that the information sought by the accused official could impede prosecution or threaten witnesses and, therefore, cannot be provided under the RTI Act. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The case is currently pending before the ACB Court, Hyderabad. The official claimed he sought the records to defend himself before the concerned trial court. Claiming that the CDRs and the GD entry records were needed to prove his innocence, the accused official argued that the investigation in the case was completed. Moreover, since a charge sheet was filed, there was no scope for further investigation. Initially, he requested information from the public information office of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). When the PIO denied the information, and subsequent appeals were unsuccessful, he approached the HC, which also turned down his petition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo Challenging the single judge's order, he filed an appeal. The HC, after examining his argument and that of the govt counsel, upheld the PIO's response of denying the information and the subsequent responses to the first and second appeals. When he challenged the same before the division bench, the bench ruled that the accused could not seek the requested information under the RTI Act, as it was exempt under Section 8(1)(h). "Such investigation material, meant to be used against the accused, can only be obtained under Section 207 of the CrPC through the trial court at the appropriate stage," ruled the bench. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Hans India
04-08-2025
- Hans India
Preserve CCTV footage or face action: Gujarat Information Commission to police
Ahmedabad: Expressing displeasure over police not providing CCTV footage of police stations sought by citizens under the RTI Act, the Gujarat Information Commission has directed officials concerned to preserve such images or face action under the legislation. In an order issued on July 19, the commission clarified that if an RTI (Right To Information) application is received by a police station within 30 days of an incident, the CCTV footage of that matter must be preserved. "Failure to preserve the recording will lead the commission to initiate proceedings for disciplinary action and penalty under Section 20 of the RTI Act and appropriate action under the Gujarat Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1971," the panel warned in its order. A resident of Ahmedabad's Naroda area had filed an RTI application seeking CCTV footage from Shaher Kotda Police Station to obtain evidence of alleged misconduct against him. When he did not receive the relevant information from the police station, he filed an appeal with the Information Commission. During the hearing of the appeal, a representative of the Public Information Officer (PIO) claimed before the panel that the CCTV footage in question could not be provided to the applicant as it got deleted due to a "technical fault". The officer further claimed that though a technical expert was roped in to retrieve the data as directed by the commission, the footage could not be recovered. Commenting on the response, the commission noted applications seeking CCTV footage of police stations are being received by the panel frequently. "However, the Commission has observed that such CCTV footage is hardly provided to the applicants" the order said. A 2022 circular issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) mandates that CCTV footage must be preserved until the disposal of the second appeal of an RTI applicant, it pointed out. Furthermore, the commission noted the Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) had also issued similar instructions in the past and directed police officials to preserve the footage till the disposal of the second appeal. The commission stated that the purpose of installing CCTV cameras will only be served only if the GAD circular and departmental instructions are strictly followed. "Despite such instructions, police station officers or staff refuse to provide footage by citing excuses, which is not proper," said the panel. The commission directed the DGP to issue a fresh order asking police officials concerned to strictly adhere to the previous circular on preserving CCTV footage. The commission warned the State Public Information Officer (PIO) and the First Appellate Authority (FAA) will be liable for penalty and disciplinary action under Section 20 of the RTI Act if they fail to provide the footage to applicants.
News18
04-08-2025
- News18
Preserve CCTV footage or face action: Gujarat Information Commission to police
Ahmedabad, Aug 4 (PTI) Expressing displeasure over police not providing CCTV footage of police stations sought by citizens under the RTI Act, the Gujarat Information Commission has directed officials concerned to preserve such images or face action under the legislation. In an order issued on July 19, the commission clarified that if an RTI (Right To Information) application is received by a police station within 30 days of an incident, the CCTV footage of that matter must be preserved. 'Failure to preserve the recording will lead the commission to initiate proceedings for disciplinary action and penalty under Section 20 of the RTI Act and appropriate action under the Gujarat Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1971," the panel warned in its order. A resident of Ahmedabad's Naroda area had filed an RTI application seeking CCTV footage from Shaher Kotda Police Station to obtain evidence of alleged misconduct against him. When he did not receive the relevant information from the police station, he filed an appeal with the Information Commission. During the hearing of the appeal, a representative of the Public Information Officer (PIO) claimed before the panel that the CCTV footage in question could not be provided to the applicant as it got deleted due to a 'technical fault". The officer further claimed that though a technical expert was roped in to retrieve the data as directed by the commission, the footage could not be recovered. 'However, the Commission has observed that such CCTV footage is hardly provided to the applicants" the order said. A 2022 circular issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) mandates that CCTV footage must be preserved until the disposal of the second appeal of an RTI applicant, it pointed out. Furthermore, the commission noted the Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) had also issued similar instructions in the past and directed police officials to preserve the footage till the disposal of the second appeal. The commission stated that the purpose of installing CCTV cameras will only be served only if the GAD circular and departmental instructions are strictly followed. 'Despite such instructions, police station officers or staff refuse to provide footage by citing excuses, which is not proper," said the panel. The commission directed the DGP to issue a fresh order asking police officials concerned to strictly adhere to the previous circular on preserving CCTV footage. The commission warned the State Public Information Officer (PIO) and the First Appellate Authority (FAA) will be liable for penalty and disciplinary action under Section 20 of the RTI Act if they fail to provide the footage to applicants. PTI PJT PD RSY view comments First Published: August 04, 2025, 21:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
