INDIA BUSINESS WORLD - JANUARY 1^st - JANUARY 15^th - 2008

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, CHILD WELFARE, HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION THE FOCUS ON PBD 2008

Shri. Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs said that we want to engage the diaspora at every level through the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. He was addressing a curtain-raiser press conference for the 6th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held New Delhi from 7-9 January 2008. The theme of the convention is engaging the Diaspora: the way forward. He said that Education and healthcare are major issues to be focused in the PBD-2008. The PBD will project these social issues and enable overseas Indians to express their ideas and ways of possible participation. A single window system will allow concrete participation from persons of Indian origin and non-resident Indians with the block level as the basic unit for philanthropy and investment. While thousands of NRIs are working today in the social space, more organized efforts are needed and the single window system will provide this, said Mr Ravi.

Other issues that will be addressed during the conference are women empowerment through microfinance and child welfare. Investments and business engagement sessions are also part of the program, briefed the Minister. As the issues of overseas Indians differ from region to region, working sessions for Gulf, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, and Americas will be held. Mr Ravi also stressed that the problems of womens marriages to NRIs will be addressed. 12 Union Ministers and six Ministers from overseas will take part in the proceedings. The state governments will be fully involved in the sessions so that participants can directly interact with government representatives and address their concerns and have exposure to the government programmes for the common man and how they could be involved in these. Chief Ministers from Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand have confirmed their participation in the PBD.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the annual flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. The 6th PBD will focus on development of the common man and rural women. The Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, will inaugurate the convention, and it will culminate with valedictory address and conferment of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by President of India. The Chief Guest is Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius.