Tuesday, January 25 2005 11:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Dual citizenship will not be granted to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Pakistan and Bangladesh for the time being, Minister for Overseas Affairs Jagdish Tytler said in New Delhi yesterday (Jan 24, 2005).

Inaugurating the International Congress of NRIs in New Delhi, he said that the grant of citizenship to PIOs required legislation and the process would be completed within three months by his Ministry in coordination with the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Noting that the dual citizenship promise was made at the just-concluded Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, he said that the next such event will be held only if the Government fulfils its promises, including grant of dual-citizenship to all PIOs.

"Such a status will not be granted to people in Pakistan and Bangladesh for the time being for obvious reasons," the Minister said, adding the security of the country was of prime importance.

Visualising India as the "most powerful intellectual country by 2020," Tytler outlined a number of programmes that the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government intends to implement to facilitate strengthening of bonding between Indians living abroad and their motherland.

He indicated tax benefits on money sent by Indians living abroad to their families or for investment, assured to ease norms required for their travel to the country and facilities in professional education in New Delhi.

A major project of creating cities within cities will be implemented at 122 places across the country and it has already kicked off in Mumbai and Trivandrum, the Minister said.