UPDATE

PM to Establish Global Advisory Council of PIOs, Helpline & Building for NRIs Unveiled

New Delhi, Jan 08, 2007
Surinder Mehta

To get benefit from skilled NRIs, Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, called upon them to be active partners in India's progress and prosperity. He was delivering the Inaugural Address of the 6th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, jointly organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, the Government of the NCT of Delhi, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) being held in New Delhi from 7 to 9 January 2008.

Dr. the Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius, was the Chief Guest for the Inaugural Session. Indians must draw upon the knowledge and experience of PIOs

Dr. Singh launched the Overseas Workers Resource Center helpline, a toll-free number that will provide assistance and grievance redressal to workers abroad. A nationwide skill upgradation program will skill 2 lakh workers for overseas jobs. The Council for the Promotion of Overseas Employment has also been approved, he announced.

Dr. Manmohan Singh said that 'Indian-ness' is the invisible thread that binds all Indians. India's common cultural values such as pluralism, tolerance, and truth and non-violence can be of global relevance in a troubled world. India has been inspired by the diaspora in focusing on education as an instrument of empowerment in the 11th Five Year Plan. "It is by investing in your capabilities that you have empowered yourselves. This is how I wish to see India empower itself," he added.

"I would like this gathering to inspire our people, inspire people of Indian origin, inspire our region and our neighbours, inspire the world to learn to live together in peace and harmony despite our many diversities," concluded the Prime Minister.

Dr. the Hon. Navichandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius, in his address paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi who personified the theme of the current PBD. He pointed out that Mauritius had been deeply influenced by India in its emancipation struggle, in which his father had been involved, and Mauritian Indians are proud of their heritage. Many institutions have been set up in the country named after Indian leaders, and the World Hindi Center is headquartered in Mauritius. "It is a matter of pride for us that the India of our hopes is finally emerging," he stressed, saying that the heartstrings and purse-strings of PIOs resonate in harmony. The Prime Minister suggested that an active desk be set up by India to channel the solidarity of overseas Indians and give concrete expression to their engagement.

Mr Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, extended a warm welcome to 1500 delegates from over 50 countries, saying that the Ministry had taken several initiatives to promote and sustain a mutually beneficial relationship of India and its diaspora. A wider range of benefits would be extended to Overseas Citizen of India cardholders, numbering about 2 lakhs. Bilateral security agreements for short-term workers have been negotiated with several EU countries and Memorandum of Understanding is being inked with Gulf countries for workers' protection and welfare.

Social development is the focus of the current PBD, aligning with the priorities of the 11th Five Year Plan. "Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will mark a new beginning of people to people partnership for building a new India," he concluded.

Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of NCT of Delhi urged overseas Indians to assist in Delhi's development, especially in the transport sector. Terming Delhi as the greenest and the most livable city in India, she said that the Commonwealth Games of 2010 provide a huge challenge as well as opportunity to invest in Delhi's development and infrastructure. The guidance of overseas Indians is needed to make Delhi an education hub.

Mr Nirmal Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, delivered the welcome address. Presenting the vote of thanks, Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal, President, CII and Chairman and Group CEO, Bharti Enterprises, said that overseas Indians have laid out a solid foundation for Indian companies to engage with the world, and that their leadership and innovation are making a deep impression on world affairs.