January 07, 2006 01:57 IST
The Centre is considering a proposal to grant voting rights to overseas Indians and a decision in this regard will be taken soon, Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Oscar Fernandes said on Friday.
"The proposal is under active consideration. We should be able to take a decision soon," he told reporters in the midst of hectic preparations for the fourth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
The launch of Overseas Citizenship of India cards, enabling overseas Indians holding foreign passports free access to the country, and an online electronic remittances gateway will be the highlights of the event, which is expected to attract about 2,000 non-resident Indians from 50 countries.
Chief ministers of 12 states will make presentations at the convention to showcase investment potential in their respective states, while nine plenary sessions, six parallel sessions, panel discussions and roundtables will be organised covering a plethora of subjects concerning overseas Indians, Fernandes said at a joint press conference with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.
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