PIO OCI

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday formed a task force to conduct a feasibility study of allowing Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to play in the country's national teams. Under the existing law of the land, PIOs and OCIs are not allowed to represent the country in international sporting events unless they adopt Indian citizenship. The task force, constituted by AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, will evaluate the PIO and OCI footballers playing at a higher level and the status of youth players. The task force, which will submit its report by January 31 next year, will be chaired by Punjab Football Association president Samir Thapar. Chaubey will name the other members of the task force after consultations with the chairman and the Executive Committee of the AIFF. "The Task Force's primary objective will be to collect data on footballers who are either Overseas Citizens of India or Persons of Indian Origin. It is a matter of great prid

Move will not have much impact on flight and hotel occupancies as curbs continue on leisure travel

Many are stranded in transit; even OCI cardholders are being denied entry into the country

The deadline will not be extended further as the bulk of people - around 30 lakh - have already converted their PIO cards into OCI cards, says

Deadline for these card conversions has been extended from December 31, 2016 to June 30, 2017