New Delhi: India will merge the two visa facilitation cards that are issued to people of Indian origin (PIOs) and soon register NRIs on the electoral rolls to help them exercise their franchise, PM Manmohan Singh said on Saturday. “We recently reviewed the Overseas Citizenship of India Card and Person of Indian Origin Card. We have decided to merge them into one,” the PM told the 9th edition of India’s annual event to connect with its 25-million-strong diaspora in 130 nations. Both these cards are issued to people who are of Indian origin but not its citizens. But for some subtle differences on matters like fees and processing time, they are the same. The diaspora, accordingly, wanted them to be merged.
The PM also said necessary amendments had been made to extend voting rights to NRIs to enable them exercise their franchise. “New legal provision will give them legitimate right to participate in Indian electoral process,” he said. “I am sure they will bring a breath of fresh air to Indian polity. ” The PM was addressing the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas attended by 1,500 delegates from 51 countries. New Zealand governor-general Anand Satyanand is the chief guest.
Others who spoke at the inaugural event included minister for overseas Indian affairs Vayalar Ravi, minister for development of North Eastern Region B K Handique and overseas Indian affairs secretary A Didar Singh. The PM said the past year was a busy one for India, with leaders of all nations that are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council — China, France, Russia, Britain and the US— visiting New Delhi.
“India’s rise as an emerging nation is a positive indication for international relations,” he said, adding: “Our unique experience of tackling development, challenges, building consensus among different sections has been remarkable. We will seek to promote what is good for India and good for the world.”
The PM said that during his visits to various countries in recent years, he was particularly pleased when its leaders lauded the role played by the Indian community in their land of domicile.
AGENCIES
