On Sunday, the central government extended the deadline for applying for conversion of Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card to Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards till 30th June 2017.
Girmityas are descendents of contract Indian labourers who were brought to Fiji to work on sugarcane plantations in mid-1800s.
Reiterating the decision of government to extend the deadline for these card conversions from 31st December 2016 to 30th June 2017, without any penalty, the Prime Minister also urged the People of Indian Origin (PIO) to convert their cards into Overseas Citizen of India(OCI) cards.
Modi further said that from 1st January 2017, beginning with Delhi and Bengaluru, we have set up special counters at immigration points for OCI cardholders. We want it to become a symbol of achievements, aspirations of the diaspora and global migration
Modi said that the NRIs and PIOs have made outstanding contributions to their chosen fields. They are role models for immigrants from other backgrounds and countries … They take our values and culture wherever they go. The Indian diaspora have contributed their best towards progress in that country.
Modi also said that the govermment will launch skill development programme, Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojna, for Indian youth who seek employment overseas.
