New Delhi: Secretary [Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs (CPV & OIA)] in Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Muktesh Pardeshi launched Project PRAYAS (Promoting Regular & Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals) in New Delhi on December 21.

The purpose of launching the event was to celebrate the International Migrants Day.

December 18 is celebrated as the International Migrants Day to raise awareness about the protection of migrants and refugees.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi wrote on X on December 21:

"Promoting Regular & Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals (PRAYAS)! As part of commemoration of #MigrantsDay, @SecretaryCPVOIA @MukteshPardeshi today launched project PRAYAS. Jointly executed by @IOM_India and @ICWA_NewDelhi, project aims at furthering safe & orderly migration."

This International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Development Fund assisted Project envisages development of a roadmap for improved coordination between Central and State Governments to encourage sharing of best practices between States and enhanced engagement with the MEA on matters related to the international migration cycle.

The project is a joint collaboration between the IOM India and Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).

Taking the social media platform X, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi posted:

"PRAYAS envisages bringing together Central & State Governments and other stakeholders for greater coordination, sharing of best practices, policy recommendations and disseminating timely information on matters related to international migration."

According to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres:

"On International Migrants Day, we highlight the urgent need for safe migration governance rooted in solidarity, partnership, and respect for human rights."

Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) also posted on X on December 21:

"The launch event of "Promoting Regular & Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals (PRAYAS)" was hosted by @MEAIndia, ICWA & @IOM_India today. Mr. @MukteshPardeshi, @SecretaryCPVOIA, MEA delivered the keynote address. Special Remarks were delivered by Ms. Archana Nair, JS, EP & W, MEA; Mr. Brahma Kumar, JS & PGE, MEA; & Mr. @hitesh_rajpal, Director, ICWA. Introductory Remarks were delivered by Mr. Sanjay Awasthi @SanjayIOM, Head of Office, IOM India. Ambi @ambi_2301, RA, ICWA spoke during the Discussion on Strategies for Facilitating Safe, Orderly and Regular International Migration and Mobility Pathways."

"Project PRAYAS not only aligns with Goverment of India's priorities for the promotion of safe and orderly migration, but also aligns with Goal 10.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people", the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in its press release on December 21.

The MEA further said that the project also adheres to the objectives of Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the Migration Governance Framework (MiGOF).

The senior officials from MEA, IOM India Office, representatives of State Recruitment Agencies, members of the Diplomatic Corps, academicians and members of the civil society attended the launch event.