Income of an average Indian for the first time in the country's history has crossed three thousand rupees per month. The advance estimate for national income released by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) said the per capita income, a measure of average income of a citizen, has gone up 12.2% to 37,490 rupees per annum during 2008-09.

The turn around could be attributed to economic reforms and a high growth rate of above 9% achieved for three years since 2005-06. During 2007-08, the per capita income was 33,283 rupees per annum..

Shri Vayalar Ravi assumed charge as Union Minister for the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs here . He was welcome by Secretary Shri P. Mohandas, Joint Secretary Shri G. Gurucharan and other senior officer of the Ministry. This is second tenure in this Ministry.

During his interaction with media persons, Shri Ravi said that in coming three months, his focus is going to be take forward the initiatives taken earlier and complete the unfinished agenda. He said that priority will be accorded to put in place an institutional mechanism for welfare and security of Overseas Indian students. He further said signing of Social Security Agreements with Denmark..