Mumbai: The Union Government is "seriously working" on providing dual citizenship to the diaspora and would set up a Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in the national capital to cater to the need of overseas Indians.

"We have started getting few applications for dual citizenship already and we are preparing all legal and other formalities for this purpose," secretary Ministry for Overseas Indian Affairs S Krishnakumar told reporters in Mumbai today (Nov 30, 2004).

The Centre will also set up a permanent centre in the national capital to cater to the needs of the Indian diaspora, the secretary said.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra would be set up with a seed grant of Rs 25 crore, he added.

Speaking about the Ministry's activities, Krishnakumar said, "a separate welfare fund for the Overseas Indian labour had been set up. For the benefit of children of Indian workers in the Gulf and south-east Asia, one-third seats have been reserved out of the 15 per cent supernumerary seats across different disciplines in educational institutions".

He said, "children of NRI's in the Gulf are not required to pay NRI Fee and are treated at par with resident Indians".

The Ministry had also facilitated the signing of an MOU between Indian Chamber of Commerce and Trade Associations from 19 countries to create a global business network.

"To support the network, a portal and database of overseas Indian corporates has also been launched, the official added.