Economic reforms to be highlighted by govt at PBD

New Delhi/Bengaluru: Latest wave of economic reforms including overhaul of indirect taxes through proposed GST will be projected significantly by the government at the three-day Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) beginning Saturday at Bengaluru to woo overseas Indian investors and make them part of India’s growth story.

The convention, being held biennially for the first time instead of earlier annual versions, will aim at redefining India’s engagement with its 3.12 crore strong diaspora in diverse spheres including innovation, start-ups, tourism and education.

On January 7, a youth PBD will be held with a focus on encouraging diaspora youths to reconnect with their Indian roots and the event will formally be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 8, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs) Dnyaneshwar M Mulay told a press conference.

Mulay said government will project various reforms initiatives as well as schemes aimed at spurring economic growth at the convention and a separate exhibition on them will also highlight the measures.

Asked whether delegates from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir will attend the conclave, he said PBD is an open event and people from Indian territory including PIO and NRIs can seek online registration. Pressed further on whether people from PoK have applied for registration, he said there was no such information.

To queries on alleged incidents of molestation in Bengaluru during New Year celebrations, days ahead of the prestigious convention, Industries Commissioner of Karnataka Government Gaurav Gupta said a probe was on and insisted the city is one of the safest in India.

The valedictory session on January 9 will be addressed by President Pranab Mukherjee who will also confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman to eminent overseas Indians.

Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa will be the Chief Guest at the 14th PBD which will be attended by over 4,000 delegates from across the globe. 36-year-old Vice -President of Suriname Michael Ashwin Satyandre Adhin will be the Special Guest at the Youth PBD.

A number of senior Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of at least eight states have confirmed their participation at the convention.