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Govt mulls proposal to allow dual citizenship to persons of Indian origin

The government is considering a proposal to allow dual citizenship to Persons of Indian Origin, or PIO, as well as attending the problem of high incidence fees for issuance of PIO cards, External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh informed the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) today.

Replying to supplementaries, the minister said various aspects relating to allowing dual citizenship needs to be examined, before finalising the policy.

An additional secretary rank officer has already assumed charge in the external affairs ministry to deal with all issues relating to Non-Resident Indians, or NRIs, as well as people of Indian origin, he said.

The minister said the new department would formulate appropriate policies for deepening linkage with all NRIs and overseas Indians to encourage their participation in the development of the country in various fields including investments, education, culture, science and technology.

The department would also act as an inter-face between the organisations and associations of overseas Indians and the Government of India. It would coordinate the activities of other ministries and organisations dealing with subjects of interest to overseas Indians, Singh said.

UNI

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