-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | | Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=214262&cat=India 'Smart Card', more insurance cover for NRIs, says government Hyderabad | January 09, 2006 3:40:04 PM IST
A 'smart card', round-the-clock helpline, increased insurance cover and medical and legal help are among the measures proposed for the welfare of emigrant Indian workers, the government today said. The 'smart card', which would help a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) worker get insurance and medical benefits, will be launched within three months, said R K Singh, the Protector General of Emigrants, on the last day of the fourth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. A major demand of NRIs, especially those in the Gulf countries, the 'smart card' was to be launched by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here. ''The first 'smart card' was to be issued by the Prime Minister here, but because of some problems its launch was postponed,'' said Mr Singh. Under the proposed Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana, insurance cover will be increased from the present Rs 200,000 to Rs 500,000. NRIs will be able to get Rs 50,000 for emergency medical treatment abroad and Rs 25,000 for legal expenses. The proposals include 24x7 helpline for NRIs in 13 missions in the Gulf besides in Singapore and Malaysia. The government also want to give legal aid to overseas workers in case of labour-related problems, Mr Singh said. If implemented, the measures are expected to benefit about five million Indian workers abroad, most of them from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. MORE UNI FZ MSJ AKK1437 -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
