Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday announced the setting up of a “Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council of People of Indian Origin” to draw upon the experience and knowledge of “the best Indian minds.”

“The Council would comprise of People of Indian Origin from a variety of disciplines who are recognised as leaders in their respective fields, not only in their country of residence but globally as well,” Singh said.

Inaugurating the sixth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in the Capital, the Prime Minister also proposed to promote an “India Development Foundation” to direct overseas Indians’ philanthropic efforts into human development activities in the country.

Addressing the gathering, which included Leader of the Opposition L K Advani and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said that the advisory council would serve as a high-level platform for the Prime Minister to draw upon the experience and the knowledge of the best Indian minds wherever they may be based.

Singh also announced the formal launch of an ‘Overseas Workers Resource Centre’ (OWRC), which will provide all relevant information and assistance to potential migrant workers.

Reflecting on 2007, Singh said: “It has been a good year for the Indian economy, for our working people and for our entrepreneurs. The conditions are today favourable to achieve and sustain 9 to 10 per cent growth rates, which is our objective over the 11th Five Year Plan period. The growth process now underway will transform our economy to emerge as a major powerhouse of the evolving global world.”

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