I was pleased to read on the Indian consulates website that PIO cards are now automatically considered as OCI cards.

Per CKGS (the visa processing agency for Indian consulates here in the USA) I see that one has to apply for and send in PIO cards and a whole host of documents to actually get a OCI card issued in place of a PIO (albeit for $0 charged by GoI; but two copies of everything including checklists, that CKGS asks for which is a huge pile of paperwork) and they say this becomes mandatory in a few months.

However, there is also some conflicting info on the relevant GoI consular website which says border agents in India have been instructed to place a "lifelong" sticker on PIO cards that are presented at the border, and the PIO cards are considered OCI cards.

I am trying to figure out whether to participate in the CKGS de-forestation effort or risk showing up at the airport in India. Planned travel is in July.

Any thoughts/guidance welcome!