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More Representation For NRIs Called
- By Bobby Castro
- Published 01/17/2012
- Destinations
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Bobby Castro
For a more comprehensive discussion on Indians in Canada, do visit us at the " title="http://www.nricommunity.com/forum/f8/\">" target="_blank">http://www.nricommunity.com/forum/f8/"> Indians in Canada Forum.
More Representation For NRIs Called
Non Resident Indian groups have been actively calling out the Indian government as well as Persons of Indian Origin holding governmental positions in other countries to play a more proactive role in addressing issues and concerns of NRIs be they in India or elsewhere in the world.
This is the sentiment in many of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas sessions throughout the world. These meetings often become venues where NRIs criticize governmental agencies as to their services and the low levels of satisfaction as to their deliveries. Many times, NRIs would relate stories of how difficult it is to deal with governmental agencies in India.
On the other hand, NRIs often share stories of discrimination and difficulty in living in another country. This experience cut both ways, as PIOs in government fail to act for and on behalf their countrymen in the foreign country. This is further exacerbated by the incompetence of the Indian External Affairs Ministry and their representatives in dealing with complaints forwarded to their attention.
One example is Canada, where there are seven Members of Parliament that are of Indian descent. Disappointingly, these MPs have not done any representative work for the Indian community in the country. When the recent financial crisis hit Canada, many Indians lost their jobs and sought assistance to return to India. The Indian MPs did not help nor did the Indian External Affairs Ministry did not have any repatriation programs for Indians overseas.
Another example would be the experience many NRIs undergo as they leave India to return to their country of residence. Customs procedures at the airport leave a bad taste in the mouth of many NRIs as intrusive and impertinent questions such as asking why the NRI stayed in the country for this number of days amongst them. Many NRIs feel that they are treated as strangers when their birthplace is India, same as the Customs officers.
For its part, the Indian government has already put into place a system where NRIs would be allowed to participate in Indian elections. This process was enabled through the Representation of People Act of 1950 where notifications for registration of oversees voters are already in place. Because of the great role that NRIs play in the economic growth and life of India, their participation would eventually redound to them as they choose their representatives in government. The right to vote is how NRIs can be properly represented and heard in the halls of government.
This is the sentiment in many of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas sessions throughout the world. These meetings often become venues where NRIs criticize governmental agencies as to their services and the low levels of satisfaction as to their deliveries. Many times, NRIs would relate stories of how difficult it is to deal with governmental agencies in India.
On the other hand, NRIs often share stories of discrimination and difficulty in living in another country. This experience cut both ways, as PIOs in government fail to act for and on behalf their countrymen in the foreign country. This is further exacerbated by the incompetence of the Indian External Affairs Ministry and their representatives in dealing with complaints forwarded to their attention.
One example is Canada, where there are seven Members of Parliament that are of Indian descent. Disappointingly, these MPs have not done any representative work for the Indian community in the country. When the recent financial crisis hit Canada, many Indians lost their jobs and sought assistance to return to India. The Indian MPs did not help nor did the Indian External Affairs Ministry did not have any repatriation programs for Indians overseas.
Another example would be the experience many NRIs undergo as they leave India to return to their country of residence. Customs procedures at the airport leave a bad taste in the mouth of many NRIs as intrusive and impertinent questions such as asking why the NRI stayed in the country for this number of days amongst them. Many NRIs feel that they are treated as strangers when their birthplace is India, same as the Customs officers.
For its part, the Indian government has already put into place a system where NRIs would be allowed to participate in Indian elections. This process was enabled through the Representation of People Act of 1950 where notifications for registration of oversees voters are already in place. Because of the great role that NRIs play in the economic growth and life of India, their participation would eventually redound to them as they choose their representatives in government. The right to vote is how NRIs can be properly represented and heard in the halls of government.