OCI vs PIO

[keerthiIyer]

My daughter has her PIO card issued in 2014.
We are travelling to India in Jan 2016, Do i need to apply for her OCI (now that PIO is discontinued)
She is 4 years old

[visak]

If she will come back by March 31, 2016 then wait until the trip is over and apply for OCI then.
If that is not the case, then apply for OCI now. March 31 is the deadline (as of today) to apply for OCI to replace PIO card.

[sunrag1]

If she will come back by March 31, 2016 then wait until the trip is over and apply for OCI then.
If that is not the case, then apply for OCI now. March 31 is the deadline (as of today) to apply for OCI to replace PIO card.

Where it says it is mandatory?.. Website shows "encouraged to apply". Pl see below...

It is hereby informed that the last day for applying for an OCI card in lieu of PIO card is 31st March, 2016. PIO cardholder is encouraged to apply for OCI card in lieu of PIO card at http://passport.gov.in/oci/capchaActionPIO

PIO cardholder can travel to India on the basis of their valid PIO card and valid foreign passport.