| Scholarships and Welfare of International Students
One of the major activities of the ICCR is implementation of scholarship programmes for overseas students. The Council administers various schemes for studies in undergraduate, post-graduate and doctoral programmes as well as for pursuing professional courses such as engineering, pharmacy, accountancy, business administration and management. The thrust of the scholarship programme is towards developing nations with special focus on the neighbourhood. Approximately 1200 new scholarships were offered by the Council during 2004-05 to students under various Schemes. The percentage of utilization of scholarship slots has been approximately 60 per cent this year. The total number of overseas students studying in India under various schemes is about 1500 representing over 75 countries.
Under its mandate to look after the general welfare of foreign students, the Council organized students’ camps to familiarize the students with multifarious aspects of Indian life and heritage. During the period, one summer camp each to Sikkim/Darjeeling, Shimla/Kullu/Manali and Nainital/Ranikhet/Almora were organized. The representation of about 45 foreign students was there in each camp. To promote fraternity among international scholars studying under various scholarship programmes of the Council and to enhance their appreciation of Indian cultural heritage, the Council organized 5 winter camps in the country in December. Around 250 international students participated in these camps.
The International Students Wing of the Council organized an Orientation Programme for the Indian Foreign Service Probationers to give them an overview of Indian art and culture. The Annual International Students Festival commemorating the Birth Anniversary of Council's Founder President, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was held on 7 December 2004 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi. Students from 21 countries presented various cultural items of their region. The Council also invited applications for the next academic session for approximately 1050 scholarship slots.
The Council's proposal to issue ATM cards to foreign students studying in Delhi to withdraw their scholarship dues has received a good response. The Council is now considering extending this facility to ICCR scholars studying in Bangalore and Hyderabad.
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