An international meeting of people of Indian-origin (PIO) in the United States has sought the voting rights for Indian citizens living outside India and Rajya Sabha seats for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) said in a resolution passed during its annual meeting in New York, that, "The Election Commission of India should finalize the procedure for electronic voting before the next general election in India takes place."

It alleges that, there are nearly10 million NRIs who are citizens of India, have no involvement in the  decision making process of the country of their citizenship.

"We urge the Government of India to nominate a few prominent NRIs as members of the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of Parliament) so as to reinforce and further integrate the bonds between India and the overseas Indian community," GOPIO said.

The annual GOPIO convention was attended by more than 200 delegates from 20 countries.

"The clearance process through the Home Ministry is very time consuming and needs to be streamlined and made more efficient," it said.

"We want the government to enact legislation to designate Fast Track Courts for NRIs/PIOs for the speedy settlement of their property, business, inheritance and other legal issues in India," it added.

"We call upon the Government of India to enact another legislation to provide Title Insurance to ensure that their ownership in real estate is protected against forged signatures on the deed and for any such fraudulent transfer of their properties," GOPIO said.

"We strongly feel that those who are getting their social security benefits from outside India should receive tax parity similar to Indian retirees and request the Finance Ministry to change the rules. Of course, such person's Indian income must be taxed as per the rules," it said.

Also Read: Deadline for conversion of PIO cards extended!

Nandini