LUCKNOW: In continuation of its efforts to attract more offshore Indians to invest in Uttar Pradesh, the government of Uttar Pradesh made its debut at the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat.

Briefing the press about UP's participation in PBD 2015, advisor to the state government, Madhukar Jetley, said senior government functionaries and ministers and the state chief secretary will remain in attendance at PBD to engage with non-resident Indians. So far, more than 150 NRIs of UP origin have registered to participate in the 13 thedition of PBD. The UP government plans to project its initiatives for the welfare of NRIs as well as government's development agenda.

Jetley also said government officials will be available for one-on-one sessions with NRIs who want any clarifications or need any concerns addressed.

On Tuesday, along with a 50-member strong Canadian delegation led by Senator Asha Seth and Dutch delegation of NRIs headed by a Dutch Deputy Minister, People of Indian origin from USA, Australia, UK and host of other countries showed interest in the Uttar Pradesh session.

Referring to the new NRI department created in Uttar Pradesh, Principal Secretary, UP NRI department, Sanjiv Saran said the department aimed to provide support and facilitate the resolution of any concerns NRIs or their kin and families back in UP may face. "A corporation dedicated to NRI-oriented activities is also on the anvil. Four regional centres are proposed in Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Kanpur and Noida", he added.

The State government has already created a Japan Cell and European Desk to better coordinate the issues of entrepreneurs from these countries.

Through the department, the government plans to safeguard the interests of NRIs in the State. The new department will also work towards technological, managerial and financial engagement of UP's non-residents in order to collaborate their technical and professional skills for the economic and industrial development of the state. The state's new web portal, upnri.com will also be a single-point platform for NRIs.

Among other initiatives, the UP government also plans to showcase its flagship infrastructure and industrial projects that are underway. Apart from around 20 panels, six models of Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor and Trans-Ganga Hi-tech city, Unnao, the government said it would prominently put on display plans to develop the infrastructure in Allahabad, highlight the proposed Agra-Lucknow Expressway and the Lucknow Metro project at the UP pavilion at PBD.

Following their first outreach for the NRIs in Gandhi Nagar, the UP government will celebrate its maiden two-day NRI Divas in Agra from February 28 to March 1.