The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs’ 100-day agenda encompasses a plethora of policy initiatives covering emigration policy, signing of social security agreements, a national policy on international migration, enactment of a new emigration law to replace the existing Emigration Act, 1983, diaspora services, and provisions for amendment of emigration rules to improve regulations covering recruiting agents. The Ministry’s agenda also includes setting up of a PIO/NRI University at Bengaluru, something the Cabinet has approved.

As part of the emigration policy, cabinet approval has been obtained for an Indo-Bahrain MoU on labour; the date and venue for signing of the MoU has to be finalised. Cabinet approval has been obtained for an Indo-Danish MoU on labour mobility partnership and the MoU has been finalised.

Signing of social security agreements (SSA) with Netherlands and Luxembourg is on the cards. Cabinet approval is awaited for SSA with the Czech Republic and Switzerland.

An announcement on the national policy on international migration is expected in September and cabinet approval is expected shortly.

A Bill is proposed to be introduced for enactment of a new emigration law to replace the existing Emigration Act, 1983. Emigration rules would also be amended to improve regulations covering recruiting agents.

The Cabinet has approved setting up of a PIO/NRI University at Bengaluru. The Manipal Academy of Higher Education Trust (MAHET) has been entrusted with the job. The University will follow standard norms set by different regulatory bodies like UGC, AICTE etc. To expedite grant of various clearances and make a special provision of reservation of seats for PIO candidates, an advisory board, set up for the purpose, has recommended that the University be set up under an Act of Parliament.

The Global-Indian Network of Knowledge (Global INK), a website launched at the PBD-2009, aims at serving as a strategic ‘virtual think tank’ and will be used for germination of ideas on development and

identification of key elements in addressing the challenges to development.The India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF), a not-for-profit fund, has been set up to channelise philanthropic activities by overseas Indians through innovative projects in the social sector.

An IDF portal is being developed to facilitate donations. It is expected to be ready by the end of December 2009. The Ministry also plans to convene the PM’s Global Advisory Council of People of Indian Origin during the next three months.