(a) whether the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) Convention, 2009 was recently held in Chennai;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of the discussions held and the outcome thereof?
(a) whether the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) Convention, 2009 was recently held in Chennai;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of the discussions held and the outcome thereof?
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS(SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) Yes sir.
(b)&(c) The 7th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was held at the Chennai Trade Centre from
07.01.2009 to 09.01.2009 in partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu. Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) was the institutional partner.
The Convention was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 08.01.2009.The valedictory address was
delivered by the President on 09.01.2009.The President also conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
Award on 13 distinguished PIOs/NRIs.H.E. Mr. Ramdien Sardjoe,the Vice President of Suriname, was
the Chief Guest.
In the inaugural session,the Prime Minister announced that OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India)
card holders who are qualified professionals- doctors, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, architects
and chartered accountants- will have the benefit of practicing their professions in India. He
launched a ‘Global Knowledge Network’, to serve as a ‘virtual think-tank’ and generate new ideas
on issues such as development, education and health care. He also launched a comprehensive
e-governance project on migration under which a ‘Smart Card’ is proposed to be issued to every
emigrant worker which would contain vital data on his work contract, his employer, his insurance
etc. to help him out in difficult situations.
Further details of the convention and topics of discussion are given in the attached programme.