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Govt. under pressure to decide on `dual citizenship'

By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

NEW DELHI DEC. 30. It is a case where an event might dictate a decision. The January 9-11 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, being celebrated in a big way, is prompting the Government to move ahead on deciding whether or not "dual citizenship'' is a good idea.

Legal experts have expressed differing opinions to the Central Government on whether conferring "dual nationality'' to persons of Indian origin requires a Constitutional amendment or a change in the Citizenship Act.

An official announcement or statement is expected in time for or at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, for which some 1,200 delegates from 55 countries are expected. The event is being organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the FICCI.

A detailed exercise has been held within the Government and different options and proposals have been discussed. Now, sources said, the time was approaching for the Government to take a decision.

Pressure has mounted on the Government after the L.M. Singhvi panel on the PIO issue came out with a recommendation that India should permit dual nationality. The Singhvi committee, however, felt that a mere amendment to the Citizenship Act would do the trick as far as conferring dual nationality was concerned.

The sources, however, made it clear that no voting rights would accrue to the "dual citizen'' — a scenario which will lead to the creation of two categories of citizens.

In most cases, the sources stressed, the current PIO card scheme did meet the requirements of the Indian Diaspora who have frequently complained about the problems and visa requirements that go with travel to their "mother'' country.

Following complaints that the PIO card was expensive, the Government had taken steps to reduce the charges. Members of the Indian Diaspora have also said that immigration authorities, at times, did not "recognise'' the PIO card.

The sources pointed out that the "dual nationality'' question was on the agenda of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee.

The Deputy Prime Minister, several leading Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of different States will be attending the conference.

Nobel laureates Amartya Sen and V.S. Naipaul, the Mauritius Prime Minister, Anerood Jugnauth, Lord Bhikhu Parekh from Britain and the Malaysian Works Minister, Samy Velu, are among a list of luminaries who will be in New Delhi for the conference.

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