PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi has thanked the overseas Indian community for its support to his demonetisation move and praised their ‘invaluable contribution’ to the country’s economy by investing about $69 billion.
Addressing the 14th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)—the largest gathering of the Indian diaspora so far with 8,000 delegates–in Bengaluru on Sunday, he said his government had taken up 'a big fight' against corruption and black money.
He said non-resident Indians (NRIs) and persons of Indian origin (PIOs) have made outstanding contributions to their chosen fields and are role models for immigrants from other backgrounds and countries.
‘They take our values and culture wherever they go. The Indian diaspora have contributed their best towards progress in that country,’ Modi said.
Referring to the earlier trend of brain drain, he said ‘we want to change brain drain to brain gain’ and added that the government will soon launch a skill development programme 'Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojna' for the Indian youth seeking employment abroad.
He said the government's effort was to provide maximum facilitation and ensure least inconvenience for those workers who seek economic opportunities abroad.
Noting that the Indian diaspora represents the best of Indian culture, ethos and values and is respected for its contributions, Modi said the welfare and safety of all Indians abroad was his government’s top priority.
‘Hum passport ka colour nahi dekhte, khoon ka rishta dekhte hain (We don’t see the colour of the passport, but see the blood relation),’ said the Prime Minister, triggering a thunderous applause.
‘We welcome all your efforts that seek to strengthen India’s partnership with the overseas Indian community,’ he said.
Modi said the Centre had extended the December 31 deadline for applying for the conversion of PIO cards to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards till June 30 without any penalty, and urged the PIOs to obtain OCI cards by June 30.
The OCI card, the Prime Minister said, should become a ‘symbol of global migration, achievements and aspirations of the diaspora’.
‘Special counters to help the diaspora to convert the cards have been set up in Delhi and Bengaluru and similar counters will be opened at more airports in the country,’ said Modi.
This is the third time the date for conversion of PIO cards to OCI cards has been extended since March 31, 2016.
The PIO card was first implemented in 2002 as a benefit to foreign nationals who could establish at least a third generation tie to Indian origin. The PIO card is valid for travel, work, and residence in India for a period of 15 years.
The OCI card was implemented in 2005, carried more benefits than the PIO card, and is valid for the holder’s lifetime.
PBD aims at providing a platform to overseas Indians to engage with the government on issues of concern to the diaspora and to explore opportunities for investment in India and contribution to the country of their origin.
The event also provides an opportunity to overseas Indians to network with other overseas Indians residing in various parts of the world.
The convention being held biennially for the first time instead of earlier annual versions, aims at redefining India’s engagement with its 31.2-million-strong diaspora in diverse spheres, including innovation, start-ups, tourism and education.
The PBD was launched by the Vajpayee government in 2003 to step up India’s engagement with its diaspora and the congregation of NRIs and Persons of India origin had continued as an annual event till 2015.
