NEW DELHI, Apr 26: After it was found that the high profile events like the Bharatiya Pravasi Diwas(PBDs) have mainly been event for the well off Indian migrants, the Government has decided to make the initiative more inclusive.
A mini Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas would be organised in the Gulf region this year keeping in view the contribution of Indian migrant skilled and semi skilled workers living in Gulf countries, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs said in a reply to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, whose Report was tabled in the Lok Sabha this week.
The Gulf region has been chosen keeping in view the contribution of Indian migrant skilled and semi-skilled workers living in these countries.
The Standing Committee on External Affairs had in its earlier report observed that majority persons of Indian origin and Indian migrants abroad were labourers or semi-skilled labourers, and they were not able to participate in the PBD, due to various constraints.
It has advised the Ministry to hold mini PBDs at various overseas locations to know their problems and help them through the diplomatic system.
The Committee had also emphasised that such important interactions should not be treated as annual ritual only, but the issues raised during PBDs should be taken up in the next PBD and the
participants should be made aware about initiatives taken by the Governmment on their suggestions.
“The Committee surprisingly observe that PBDs are not being used
for attracting more knowledge, expertise and investment from Diaspora. Many of them come here with very ambitious plans for their
motherland.But in absence of proper welcome, guidance and boost from the government side, they often go back without any achievement,” it said.
The Standing Commitee also noted that similar events organised by
the state governments on nearby dates were more successful in attracting huge investments.
The PBD is the flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian
Affairs organised every year to connect India with its vast Diaspora and to bring their knowledge, expertise and skills on a common platform.(UNI)