Exclusive university for diaspora

An exclusive university and steps to protect Indians married to NRIs are some of the measures mooted by Govt.

An exclusive university for overseas Indians and steps to protect Indians married to them are some of the welfare measures mooted by the central government for its 25-million strong diaspora.

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The measures are in addition to dual citizenship and introduction of smart cards for People of Indian Origin (PIO) announced last week.

Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Jagdish Tytler on Monday said the launch of budget airlines to the Middle East was one of the steps to make life easier for Indians abroad.

He said the Government was contemplating setting up an university exclusively for persons of Indian origin (PIO), keeping in mind their need for quality higher education.

"Most countries where PIO are based have good primary and secondary education. But when it comes to higher education, Indians are often left out," Tytler said during a media interaction here.

The proposed university, which would be privately financed but certified by the Indian government, would take care of this shortfall.