Government decides to merge Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs with MEA

Union Government has decided to merge Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
This decision has been taken to avoid duplication of work and to improve efficiency in line with Union Government’s broad principle of minimum government, maximum governance.
The merger was announced by Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and proposal in this regard was cleared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Key facts

• MOIA was established in May 2004 as the Ministry of Non-Resident Indians’ Affairs (MNRIA). However it was renamed Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in September 2004.
• The primary task of the MOIA was to connect the Indian diaspora with its motherland by initiating various programmes.
• It also focused on developing networks with and amongst the overseas Indians with the intent of building partnership with the diaspora.
• The merger is expected to increase efficiency in MEA’s emergency work abroad especially in various crisis-prone countries in West Asia. It would also increase MEA staff strength.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2016