Tuesday, January 16, 2007: Reassuring measures were announced
by Minister of Overseas Affairs Ravi Vyalar for NRIs on 13th January;
close on the heels of the 5th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that concluded
on the 10th of this month.
The Minister promised a university
for NRIs in two months, to be set up in a special
economic zone, with the status of a deemed university. The fees
would be affordable, and cater to even the not very affluent NRI
who seeks quality education back home. Indian students would also
be admitted to this university. The Foreign University Bill is
awaiting approval from Parliament.
Addressing the issue of the welfare of Indian workers in the
Gulf, he deplored the deceitful practices adopted by the agents
who arrange visas, and get them to sign up on Arabic documents.
A memorandum of understanding signed in December 2006 has taken
up the issues of their employment to protect the Indian workers’
interests. The minister was empathetic towards the workers who
he felt were entitled to a welfare fund back home in return for
the regular remittances made by them. The government was looking
into the possibility of a self employment scheme for the semi-skilled
workers returning home from abroad.
An NRI centre has been set up in Dubai, to be followed by more
centres - these would be under the guidance of the Indian ambassador.
The Overseas Affairs Minister also announced the establishment
of the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi.
Commenting on the Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas, the minister said this was being organized
every year now to strengthen ties with Indians abroad, and would
also take care of cultural issues Indians face in their adopted
countries. The number of scholarships would also be doubled for
young Indian achievers overseas, and the regularity and participation
of the Know India Programme.
