The new initiative will connect people of Indian origin from a variety of disciplines to users at the national, state and local levels in the country, he said.

"My hope is that the Network will facilitate transfer of knowledge and serve as a 'virtual think tank' to generate new ideas on issues such as development, education and healthcare," he said.

The Prime Minister was addressing over 1,500 delegates from across the world at the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas function in Chennai.

NRI professionals can practice in India: PM

Qualified professionals of Indian origin, including doctors, engineers and chartered accountants can practice back home, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Thursday.

Making the announcement at the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas function in Chennai, he said the professionals who possessed the Overseas Indian Citizenship card will have the benefit of practicing their professions in India.

“Further details to operationalise this benefit are being worked out,” he said.

The qualified professionals also include dentists, pharmacists and architects, he said.

Singh said the Overseas Indian Citizenship scheme announced in 2006 has received an “overwhelming response”.

He also said the government has launched a comprehensive e-governance project on migration under which every worker would be issued a 'Smart Card' containing details of the worker, his work contract, his employer and his insurance.

The data would be available to the Indian government as well as Indian missions abroad.