“As of now, the PIO card is limited to those of the 4th generation of Indian descendants. I think it should not be restricted to any particular generation. It should be extended to all those who are of Indian origin.  This is my wish,  and not a policy decision,”  says the  Secretary at the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, K. Mohandas.

“The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is now working on a formula to lift the ceiling,”  he adds. Mohandas was in Mauritius this week to invite Mauritians and different organisations to participate  in  the 8th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas which will be held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, India, from January 7 to 9, 2010. The theme will be “Engaging the Diaspora: The Way Forward”.

Mohandas also took the opportunity  to impart to the locals the panoply of opportunities which is being offered to them, through the convention.

“There would be chances to enable connexions in business, and to enable the promotion of cultural and academic exchanges,” he told a press conference at the Labourdonnais Hotel, in Port Louis, on Wednesday that was also attended by the
High Com­mis­sioner of India, Madhusudhan Ganapathi.

Referring to the success story of the previous seven editions of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas,  Mohandas said: “These had attracted participation from different countries, with delegations from the  United States of America and Malaysia topping the list. Mauritius occupied  the third place .” However, he is confident that Mauritius should be able to participate very actively in the coming event and “ come to New Delhi with the largest delegation.”

Mohandas announced  that there would be a Pre-Pravasi Bharatiya Divas activity at the same venue, on January 7, 2010. A seminar on property related issues of overseas Indians, and onother one on Nano technology would be high on the agenda. Concurrently, during the celebrations, there would be a Trade and Industry exhibition with the participation of corporates, financial institutions, state governments and NGOs.

The convention is expected to attract some 1500 delegates. For the first time, French translation of the proceedings will be available for French speaking diaspora members like the Reunion Island and others.
High Commissioner Ganapathi sees the convention as an opportunity to stregthen ties between the diaspora with India.