The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs gave Andhra and the NRIs something to cheer about when PBD's 2006 edition opened at Hyderabad International Convention Centre on Saturday.
While it assured of a slew of measures — including a single-window system for the NRIs willing to invest in the state, Andhra Govt mandarins too did not lag behind in dispelling some of the doubts in the minds of the NRIs.
While state’s international connectivity "is set to increase with the introduction of more Air India Express flights", as MOIA officials informed, Andhra Govt’s industries minister R Geeta Reddy informed that stamp duties and registration for NRIs investing in the state are being waved.
"Four or five SEZs are being created at the same time in the state. We will ensure that there is an investor-friendly atmosphere in the state."
Union Minister of state, OIA, Oscar Fernandes talked at length of "total and complete attention to the NRIs", faster clearance of projects, and voting rights to all eligible overseas Indians, except Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, who get its citizenships.
The minister said the NRIs can invest anywhere, except in agriculture and plantation sector. As for private airlines, he said Air Deccan has reached an agreement with a Sri Lankan carrier, and lots of schedules are planned between the two countries.
The minister informed that applications of over 8,000 overseas Indians for Indian citizenship are being considered. "We expect the number to increase up to 15,000 soon," the secretary, MOIA, Krishna Kumar added.
{{/usCountry}}The minister informed that applications of over 8,000 overseas Indians for Indian citizenship are being considered. "We expect the number to increase up to 15,000 soon," the secretary, MOIA, Krishna Kumar added.
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