Jaipur 09-01-2012: The Centre has accepted in principle the demand of Kerala that the Pravasi Indians be given Aadhar cards. This facility will be extended to the NRI as and when the distribution of cards finishes in India. CM said that the Centre will be asked to hold the next Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi.

By ensuring voting rights to the Pravasis they have become Indian citizens with all rights, said CM. Thousands of Pravasi Malayalees voted in the previous assembly election. As the enrolment of names goes online more Malayalees would get the right to vote, said CM.

CM also said that Pravasi Organizations should render all their help especially legal help for Keralites resident abroad. The suggestion of Pravasi Bank and Pravasi University is most welcome, said CM. Sanction of Reserve Bank is needed in the case of setting up a Pravasi Bank. CM said that CIAL model would be considered for this.

If Pravasi Univeristy becomes a reality then the wards of NRIs would get more opportunities for higher education.

Kerala lags beind not only in the field of higher education but also in imparting basic facilities. The major stumbling block before the Government in developing roads is procurement of land. The people are reluctant to hand over their land for development, said CM.

Central Minsiters Vayalar Ravi, E Ahammad and K C Jospeh were also present.