INDIA will soon enable NRIs to vote. While addressing the gathering at the PBD-2011, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr Vayalar Ravi, said that the Parliament has passed the bill on Voting Rights to NRIs into an Act. Two rounds of discussion with Election Commission on procedures for enrolment and methods of votes have been completed. He hoped that around 10 million Overseas Indians, who have Indian Passports, would be benefited from this. The Minister said that around 1300 delegates have registered for PBD-2011 so far from across the world. He announced that the Governor General of New Zealand, Sir Anand Satyanand will be the Chief Guest of forthcoming 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)-2011.

Highlighting the main features of the convocation, Mr Ravi said that the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) and eight North Eastern States will be partner of 9th PBD. A special session focusing on the North East is being held on 7th January, 2011 besides a special plenary session 'Investment opportunities in North Eastern Region' on 8th January, 2011. He said that the focus of PBD-2011 will be on the young overseas Indians. In an endeavour to connect with and engage the younger generation of the overseas Indians with emerging India, a plenary session on "Engaging with the young overseas Indian" is being organized.