Jaipur, Jan 7 (IANS) Rajasthan is not expecting huge investments from NRIs taking part in the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) here, but intends to use the occasion to enhance interaction with the diaspora, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Saturday.

In an exclusive interview to IANS, Gehlot said: “We are not expecting huge investments, nor is this event for this purpose. We will just discuss the state’s various social aspects and seek suggestions for its development.”

He added that the delegates are also not coming to Jaipur with the purpose of business and investment.

“We had organised International Rajasthani Conclave in the year 2000. When we all got together, it was decided that NRIs from all walks of life, whether they are engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs or businessmen, should get together once in a year and should have a platform to interact with people of their country and community,” Gehlot said.

He said that no state organising such an event should have such expectations of investment and business.

“However, the delegates will come and see what is happening in their country. They will come across the environment and might have an idea that the place is good for business. If they think so, it will be great,” said the chief minister.

He added that the state government has done grand preparations to be a good host.

“We have decorated Jaipur. The city is already beautiful, but we have made it sparkling with lights and beautification especially for the PBD,” said Gehlot adding that the city will represent the heritage and development of entire country.

He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will have interact with the state ministers at Raj Bhawan for an hour Jan 8.

“The interaction session has been scheduled specially to apprise the PM of the works we have done over the past three years since the Congress came into power. We will also communicate the problems being faced by us,” said Gehlot.