Overseas Indian citizens may enjoy same NRI benefits

NEW DELHI: It is a good news for Overseas Indian citizens as they may soon enjoy the same benefits available to Non-Resident Indians in educational, financial and economic fields.

The government is considering to bring parity between Overseas Indian Citizens (OIC) and Non-Resident Indians (NRI) in admission and scholarship programmes for diaspora children in higher and technical educational institutions in India.

A policy framework for setting up a NRI-PIO university at a suitable place in the country, ensuring flexibility in the choice of disciplines and courses offered, has already been approved by the Government.

OICs, however, will not be able to enjoy the same benefits that come under section 7(B) (1) of the Citizenship Act, an official statement said.

A major scheme to give orientation and training to Overseas Indian workers to upgrade their skill levels to meet the job requirements abroad has also been worked out by the Centre in consultation with the states.

Under the project, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs will bear 75 per cent of the total expenditure of upto Rs one crore.

Emphasise would be given to upgrade the skills of Indian workers and to give them a basic knowledge of laws, language and culture of their destination country.

The scheme has already been launched on a pilot basis in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kerala and Karnataka and a total of Rs four crore has been earmarked for the purpose.