The Hindu Business Line : Govt to give voting rights to all Indian passport holders

The Government will allow all Indian passport holders the right to vote regardless of whether they reside in India. To make this possible, it will introduce amendments to the People's Representation Act, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr Vayalar Ravi, said.

Addressing a press conference here today, to announce the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held on January 7, he said, "The Government is not going to amend the Constitution. Other country passport holders can get the Overseas Indian Card that gives them several benefits, but not the right to vote".

The event is aimed at promoting better understanding between the Indian Diaspora and the country's political leadership, the Minister said. "There will be political leaders including Union Ministers and State Chief Ministers in all the sessions," he added.

The event is being organised jointly by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, the Government of the National Capital of Delhi and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The Minister said the Government is also taking measures to protect the interests of Indian workers abroad. "We have signed an MoU with Belgium to avoid double taxation of Indian professionals. We have also signed an agreement to safeguard workers in certain Gulf countries."

Over 1,200 delegates from 47 countries are expected to attend the event. The Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh, will deliver the inaugural address while the President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, will give the valedictory speech. The Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore will be the chief guest.

Coinciding with the inaugural of the event, the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin began its two-day Convention 2007 in the Capital. The theme of the conference is `Overseas Indians — Identity Preservation and Adoption of New Values in Pluralistic Societies'. Prior to the inauguration, there were sessions exploring issues concerning non-resident Indian and people of Indian origin.