8 Lakh PIOs Get Overseas Citizen Status

According to the data showcased
by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Eternal Affairs, around
eight lakh persons of Indian origin (PIO) have been given the
status of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) as of November 2006.

The government is trying
to bring about the feasibility of granting the benefits of voting
rights to Non Resident Indians (NRIs), reiterates the data present
in the Parliament on Monday.

The Committee has put forward
a suggestion to allow participation of OCI cardholders in the
political process of the country. Considering the vast potential
and contribution made by NRIs in taking Indian economy to high
through investments and remittances, the committee feels it to
the right time to offer NRIs more rights.

Taking the case of OCI scheme
into concern, it allows a life long visa but cannot be regarded
as ‘dual citizenship’, as it does not give any political rights
to the card holder. Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs claims
to have followed all the guidelines forwarded by Parliament.

The same subject has been
debated considerably. Now, the Parliament needs to ponder over
the situation, says the Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian
Affairs.

Keralite NRIs have emerged
as a major source bringing remittance over Rs. 55 crore into the
country. The total number of NRIs workers has been accounted to
be in the range of 50 to 60 lakh, as per the data.

Also, the data sees the countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,
and UAE filling the NRI’s cup of delight whereas Kerala,
Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are some of the top sourcing Indian
states.