Ashok Ojha

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Addressing media persons Mrs. Das said, “The final date for registration is date for submission of applications for registration as OCI cardholder in lieu of PIO card online has been extended till 30th June. This cutoff date will be only for submission of the applications online by the applicants. A separate online application form for submission of application for registration as OCI cardholder in lieu of PIO card is available in the website https://passport.gov.in/oci/.

“Explaining many benefits of possessing OCI cards, the Consul General reiterated that OCI card facilitates quicker immigration clearance at the Immigration Check Posts and is helpful obtaining various Consular Services from the Indian Missions.

Mrs. Das elaborated upon many initiatives undertaken by the Consulate General office for benefits of Indian settlers in USA. She said that the consulate officials were available to address the grievances of the people on issues related to visas, passports and OCI cards at the Open House sessions her office held every fortnight. “The Open House sessions are held at the Consulate on the first Wednesday of every month from 10 AM to 1 PM and on the third Wednesday form 2 PM to 5 PM.” She advised the visitors to Open House to register at least one day in advance for each Open House session by sending e-mail to helpline@indiacgny.org.

She pointed out that her office was serving as a contact point for Indian businesses that were doing businesses in USA. “The consulate was happy to coordinate with local officials in USA to expedite any matter related with India owned enterprises”, she said.

Mrs. Das expressed her happiness over the recent induction of India Chair at Rutgers University in New Jersey. “The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair of Indian Studies is truly an important milestone, which will strengthen the academic partnership between India and the United States and further the academic cooperation with Indian institutions of higher education”, she commented. The inaugural Chair, Professor Binod Khadria of Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, will serve a one-year appointment in the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations (SMLR).