PIO cardholders to get lifetime Indian visa: Modi
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New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told a rapturous crowd of NRIs that Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders will get lifetime Indian visa and that American tourists will be given visa on arrival.
Modi, who arrived at the packed Madison Square Garden to a rousing welcome, announced the merger of PIO and Overseas Citizens of India schemes to facilitate hassle-free travel to the Indian diaspora.
He announced that PIO card holders staying in India on long-term basis will no longer have to report to the local police station.
Prime Minister Modi affirmed that India will move ahead at a rapid pace and lead the 21st Century world.
At the unique event in the heart of Manhattan at which some 20,000 cheering NRIs were present, Modi said that his big win in the Lok Sabha elections had come with a big responsibility for him which he would fulfil.
Listing out India's advantages, the Prime Minister said that its three strengths were democracy, demographic dividend in which 65 per cent of its population was under 35 years, and the demand for India because it was a huge market.
"My effort is to make development a mass movement. I am confident is that we will succeed. There is cause for disappointment. This country is going to make rapid progress.
"There are many expectations from the new government. This government will be 100 per cent successful in fulfilling the aspirations of people," he said amid loud cheers.
"My dream is to see every Indian family has a home by 2022," he said.
The Prime Minister said there was no need for any disillusionment. "India is going to march ahead at a very fast pace."
"The 21st Century will be that of India. By 2020, only India will be in a position to provide work force to the world," he said, while citing examples of growing global demand for nurses and teachers."
He also said Americans nationals wanting to visit India for tourism purposes will get long-term visa.
"My effort is to make development a mass movement. I am confident is that we will succeed. There is no cause for disappointment. This country is going to make rapid progress.
"There are many expectations from the new government. This government will be 100 per cent successful in fulfilling the aspirations of people," he said amid loud cheers by around 20,000 people.
"My dream is to see that every Indian family has a home by 2022," he said.
