The Hindu : Set up economic zones for Indians abroad: Singhvi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 28, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

Set up economic zones for Indians abroad: Singhvi

By Our Special Correspondent

Bangalore Dec. 27. The Prime Minister, A.B. Vajpayee, has kept his promise with the legislation on dual citizenship for people of Indian origin overseas, and this should now be taken forward, L.M. Singhvi, who was among those who were in the high-power committee which helped in drafting the Bill, said here on Saturday.

"A long-standing, persistent demand from many of the Indian diaspora has been met by both Houses of Parliament. But there are 148 other recommendations in our report which need to be examined,'' Dr. Singhvi, a former diplomat, told . One of these was for special economic zones in India where people of Indian origin overseas could invest and set up industries. China had set up such zones for its people who worked abroad.

Dr. Singhvi recalled suggesting the idea of inviting people of Indian origin overseas to join in the development of India, as far back as in 1962, as a member of the Lok Sabha. "It has finally started to happen, after 40 years, thanks to the interest shown by late Rajiv Gandhi and now by Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee,'' he said.

"While the emotive link is stronger than money, we should not forget that the 20 million people of Indian origin are also wealthy... Their combined wealth exceeds our GNP. They should be encouraged to invest here, not just in business but also in education and health,'' Dr. Singhvi said. Some had already done so, as in the case of one of the leading specialists in thrombosis in the U.K., Vijay Kakkar. He had joined hands with Devi Shetty of Narayana Hrudayalaya to set up the Thrombosis Research Institute in Bangalore.

While dual citizenship would fulfil a sentimental need, they would not have voting rights here, nor will be they allowed to stand for elected posts, he clarified. "The legislation only applies now to people of Indian origin in 16 countries, and this was based on the demand from people living there,'' he added.

Dr. Singhvi is the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 2nd Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2004, to be held in New Delhi from January 9 to 11.

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