CII to network with NRIs

Following in the footsteps of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Confederation of Indian Industry has decided to network with non-resident Indians.

But unlike the FICCI and Centre that reach out to NRIs everywhere through their Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the CII is only looking at the Indians residing in the US.

The trade body has formed a Council for Indian Americans to network and create a platform for Indian Americans who want to tie up with Indian companies, academia and NGOs to work in India.

"There are nearly 2 million such Indians who want to participate and support developmental work in India. The CII council will engage the Indian Americans and help structure their connection and engagement with India," Sunil Kant Munjal, president of the CII said.

Sam Pitroda, chairman, C-Sam Inc, will be the chairman of the council, while Anil Kumar, director of McKinsey and Company will be the co-chairman responsible for networking among Indians in US.

Elaborating on the council's structure, Kumar said the CII will recruit NRIs for six priority task forces which will focus on key areas like rural economy, education, healthcare, water, energy and tourism. It will also launch a 'members only' website for the community. The networking will be primarily through the electronic medium.

"We have a database of nearly 2000 eminent Indians in the field of science, technology, social sciences and services. We will start our networking and hope to bring in first 100 top members by February. CII will also conduct roadshows in US in April and hope to come with some positive outcome by July 2005," Kumar said.