Govt asks NRIs to opt for diverse careers

NEW DELHI, JULY 31: The Government has impressed upon the People of Indian Origin (PIO) --numbering over 10 million and settled in 40 coun...

NEW DELHI, JULY 31: The Government has impressed upon the People of Indian Origin (PIO) –numbering over 10 million and settled in 40 countries of the world — that they should not confine themselves to commerce and various professions and should also join various services, including the armed forces.

According to J C Sharma, additional secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, the Government wants to reassure the PIO that it was aware of their problems and it would be wrong to say that its response to mitigating their problems was slow. The PIO card scheme is part of Government’s efforts to provide whatever help is needed. Even the fee for the issuance of the PIO is likely to be reduced to encourage them to avail the facility.

Speaking a the first PIO Conference in India to discuss Fijian crisis and steps taken by the Government of India, Sharma said the Fijian crisis had brought to notice that while the PIO participate in various walks of life, they keep away from government service or the army. They have reached commanding heights in science, technology, commerce and business and even in politics, but not in administration.

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Sharma also said the Government was considering laying down criterion for issuing PIO cards, keeping in mind the security and law of the land.

Former election commissioner G V G Krishnamurthy, who presided over the function, said India was a giant ethnic library and symbol of tolerance. Chaman lal, incharge of foreign affairs in the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), also participated.

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