Karnataka Government to set up Diaspora Cell

The Karnataka Government has drawn up a grandiose plan to set up a Diaspora Cell aimed at luring investments from Non Resident Indians (NRI), particularly People of Karnataka Origin (PKO).

Apart from setting up a Diaspora Cell, which seeks to take the “brand Bangalore” image to the global market, the State Government is planning to hold an annual Karnataka Pravasi Divas during January every year, according to officials in the Department of Industries and Commerce.

The Karnataka Diaspora Cell will showcase the strides Karnataka had made in various sectors and roll out a red carpet welcome to investors. “As more and more NRIs are keen to invest in various sectors like Information Technology, Tourism, Health and Education, the Diaspora Cell will work as a nodal agency to facilitate them to invest”, an official said.

To start with, the Cell will set up an interactive website for potential investors as well as NRIs, who seek information on investment opportunities in the State. The website will contain the achievements of the state and the potential sectors identified for investment.

The Cell will create and maintain a database of relevant information, besides organizing events and tours by delegations to foreign countries with a significant presence of Indian Diaspora to attract investment.

The Karnataka Pravasi Divas will be organised on the lines of Bharatiya Pravasi Divas every year. During the Karnataka Pravasi Divas, the Government will showcase the cultural glory of the State and give the NRIs attending the event a feeling of “homecoming”.

As Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is scheduled on January 3 and 4 next year, the Karnataka Pravasi Divas will be held from January 5 to 9 to enable the NRIs to attend both the events. During the first Karnataka Pravasi Divas, scheduled from January 5 to 9 next year, the Karnataka Government will honour prominent personalities of Karnataka origin, who have left their footprint in various fields by their achievements.