Pravasis will make big time investments: RV Deshpande, Karnataka Industries Minister

Preparations for the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) are on in full swing. This is the first time that Karnataka is hosting the three-day PBD from January 7 to 9 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Tumakuru Road.

From making all arrangements to make the PBD a big success to impressing upon the overseas community to invest in Karnataka, Mr R.V. Deshpande wishes to make the most out of this mega event.

Deccan Chronicle caught up with the Minister for Large and Medium-Scale Industries.

Here are the excerpts of the interview: 

Can you tell us about Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) and its significance?
To mark the contribution of Overseas Indian Community in the development of India, PBD is celebrated every year on January 9, as this was the day Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa and led India's freedom struggle that changed the lives of Indians forever. Since 2003, PBD is serving as a platform for the Indian community overseas to engage with the government and the people and showcase their skills, expertise and knowledge.

How Bengaluru was chosen for the 15th edition of PBD?
Karnataka has never hosted PBD since its inception in 2003. During my interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the state government, I requested him to consider Bengaluru to host PBD this year as it was the right place for such a big event.

How many delegates are expected to take part? What are the measures being taken so that the traffic is not affected on the roads from airports (HAL and BIAL) leading to the venue, BIEC, on Tumakuru Road?
Over 4,000 delegates from over 60 countries are expected to participate. VVIPs, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee, will be flown to the venue on helicopters. We have asked the truckers to stop operation on Tumakuru Road. Traffic will not be affected much as first two-days of the event are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, which do not witness much traffic. Our policemen along with the Special Protection Group (SPG) will give tight security to prevent any untoward incidents. 

What are the highlights of the event?
The three-day event will have exhibitions showcasing achievements of 14 states. The Yuva Bharatiya Divas on the first day will focus on startups and youth. The event will showcase dance and music forms of Karnataka. On the second day, Mr Modi will deliver a keynote address, formally inaugurate the event and will have an interaction with the delegates. Third day is loaded with plenary sessions on 'Managing emigration of Indian workers to ECR Countries', 'Connecting with the Indian diaspora through social media' and others. Also, President Pranab Mukherjee will hand over the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. Apart from these, the pleas and problems of the overseas community will be heard and measures will be initiated to resolve them.

What is Karnataka expected to gain in the form of investment?
It is great opportunity for the state to boost its investment. We will put up an exhibition showcasing the contributions of Karnataka in the fields of IT-BT, agriculture, irrigation, water, healthcare, art and culture and related sectors. We hope to impress upon the overseas community on the investment opportunities spread across the state and bring in investments. We are offering sector-specific industrial tours free of cost to PBD delegates that include food and transport facility. Industrial visits will also be organised based on the request of delegates.

How is the state government gearing up to give a push to the tourism sector?
Giving a boost to the tourism sector is one of our top priorities. All the delegates will be offered a wide array of opportunities to explore Karnataka. Sightseeing tours within Karnataka are offered to the delegates at special discounted rates. They can opt to tour on the luxury train Golden Chariot. From exploring the jungles at Bandipur to visiting heritage sites at Hampi and Mysuru to local sightseeing in Bengaluru, delegates will be given all tourism options.

What measures have been taken so that non-resident Indians who head to PBD are not affected by demonetisation?
While measures like demonetisation are aimed at rooting out black money, it should not affect the NRIs. We are hosting the event. But we have already requested the Ministry of External Affairs to put out advisories on demonetisation and make proper arrangement for conversion of old notes in possession with NRIs and avert any cash crunch.

Govt expects investments in tourism, IT: Priyank
With Pravasi Bharatiya Divas round the corner, the state administration is working overtime to impress NRIs, investors and delegates. Regarding the event, Tourism and IT & BT Minister Priyank Kharge said, “Indians living abroad have a sense of belonging, for their home town. They might have moved to another country 20-30 years ago, but still want to contribute. We have a policy for adopting a tourist destination. They could adopt a temple or an area, for example,” Kharge added. Kharge hoped the event would also bring in investments to sectors such as IT, start-ups, manufacturing and more.