Hyderabad: Minister for NRI affairs K.T. Rama Rao on Wednesday said the TS government would soon bring a comprehensive NRI policy for the welfare and benefit of non-resident Telanganites living in foreign countries, especially in the Gulf region, where there is huge migration of people from the state.
He said the government will launch an exclusive portal for NRIs and also open Centres for Non Resident Telanganites Affairs (CENTA) in all the districts.
Mr Rao said that this will help in speedy resolution of NRI issues.
He stated that TS NRI policy would be devised in such a manner that it would be far better than the NRI policies adopted by governments of Kerala and Punjab, which are so far considered to be the best policies for the welfare of NRIs in the country.
Mr Rao held a marathon meeting here on Wednesday to seek suggestions on framing the NRI policy from different sections, including NRI Associations, Gulf Associations and legal experts.
Later, addressing the media, the minister said the meeting was fruitful as the government received valuable suggestions over what best can be offered in the TS NRI policy for the welfare of NRIs and all these would be incorporated in the new policy.
Mr Rao added that the government is planning to hold “Pravasi Telangana Divas” and felicitate successful Telangana NRIs in various fields to recognise their contribution to the development of Telangana. He said a dedicated NRI affairs department would be set up soon. Mr Rao said the government will prepare a comprehensive database of Telangana NRIs settled abroad.
“As of now, no data is available over how many people from Telangana have settled abroad. Even the Centre has no such data. We will set up district-level cells headed by respective district collectors, who will gather data of all those who have settled abroad or those leaving for foreign shores henceforth. In case of any unexpected or untoward incidents abroad, the government machinery remains handicapped due to lack of exact information and this is affecting rescue operations,” Mr Rao said.
Mr Rao urged all to register with TS government sponsored Telangana Overseas Manpower Company (Tomcom) for the purpose and not fall prey to fraudsters.
Mr Rao added that the proposal to extend insurance scheme for NRIs such as Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana was also under the consideration of the state government.
