In yet another move that doesn't address the core issue of dual
nationality, the Indian government will lower the rates for the PIO (Person of
Indian Origin) card, media reports say.
The price of the card, currently US $1,000 and valid for 20 years, will
be revised to $750 for a 20-year card and $500 for a 10-year card. For
NRIs who have already bought these cards at the current rates, the government is
considering extending the cards' expiry date, rather than offering
refunds.
An official was quoted as saying, "The notification may be issued in
two-three months, after ratification by the authorities concerned."
It is obvious that the Indian government still isn't getting the
message - that the price of the card isn't the real reason why it has flopped so
badly. In any case, the price reductions are not that substantial. The
government doesn't seem to realise that NRIs aren't going to be happy
with some half-baked card schemes - full dual citizenship remains the goal!
- nriol.com report
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