By Our Correspondent
Asian Age
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TitlSinghvi heads a new body to woo Indians abroad Author: By Our Correspondent Publication: Asian Age DatSeptember 2, 2000 In a move aimed at wooing people of Indian origin living abroad, the government on Friday constituted a committee chaired by Rajya Sabha member L.M. Singhvi to recommend a policy framework for the Indian diaspora. Apart from Dr Singhvi, the committee will include former minister of state for external affairs R.L. Bhatia, retired IFS officer J.R. Hiremath and secretary-general of the Antarashtriya Sahyog Parishad Baleshwar Agrawal. Mr J.C. Sharma, an additional secretary in the external affairs ministry who deals with NRIs, will be the member-secretary. The committee has been given 180 days to submit its report to external affairs minister Jaswant Singh. Under the terms and conditions, the committee will review the status of persons of Indian origin and non-resident Indians in the context of constitutional provisions, laws and rules applicable to them both in India and the countries where they live. It will also study the characteristics, aspirations, attitudes, requirements, strengths and weaknesses of the Indian diaspora and their expectations from India. There are several issues pertaining to Indians living abroad that will be addressed by the committee. It will study the role that PIOs and NRIs play in the economical, social and technological development of India and also examine the current regime that governs their travel and stay in India. Another key focus area is investments by PIOs and the resolving of problems faced by them. The new policy to be recommended by the committee will hinge on a broad framework of flexibility and facilitating interaction with India and encourage participation in the nation’s economic development. According to an estimate, there are between 20 million and 25 million PIOs and NRIs living across the globe. The largest number of Indians (17-lakh people of Indian origin) are in Malaysia. Malaysia is followed by the United States, which has an Indian population of around 15 lakhs. Next comes the UK with 10 lakhs. The other countries with considerable Indian populations include Mauritius (seven lakhs), Canada (6.50 lakhs), Trinidad and Tobago (5.20 lakhs). The others are below the five-lakh mark. Subsequent governments in New Delhi have attached great importance to the Indian diaspora and its relations, including cultural and emotional bonds, with India. The concerns, needs and problems of overseas Indian communities and their potential for contributing to India’s socio-economic and technological transformation and development has become a priority. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Overseas Friends of the BJP (USA) .............. Voic(718) 271-0453 54-15, 108th St. ................................. Fax: (718) 271-1906 Corona, NY 11368............................ WWW: http://www.ofbjp.org BJP's Websithttp://www.bjp.org Worldwide Friends of the BJ http://www.ofbjp.org/fob
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