The Hindu Monday, February 25, 2008 http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200802251521.htm
Goa welcomes NRGs eagerness on developing villages Panaji (PTI): Goa government has rolled out a red carpet to NRGs (Non Resident Indians of Goan origin) intending to invest in developmental projects in the coastal state. "The NRGs can finance any public welfare scheme in their villages. The state government will also chip in with their fundings," Goa NRI Commissioner Eduardo Faleiro told reporters on Monday morning. Faleiro, a former External Affairs Minister, said that the scheme 'My Village' has been carved out considering strong interests evinced by NRGs in contributing to the development of their villages. "Some of our expatriates are keen to participate in the development of their villages and towns in Goa," Faleiro said conceding that the state government has no exact record of NRGs across the world. The scheme, which aims at augmenting the village level infrastructure, expects the fundings to come in for schools, libraries, gymnasiums, playgrounds, hospital equipments, shelters for the old and handicapped and other projects. The maintenance and upkeep of such assets would be ensured by a government organisation such as the local panchayat or a non-government organization, the NRI Commissioner said. The high level committee headed by Faleiro will clear the projects and work will start only after NRG advances 50 per cent of the project cost. The balance will be borne by the state government from the budget of the Commissionerate up to a ceiling of Rs 10 lakh. A signboard carrying the name of concerned NRG and his contribution will be permanently and prominently displayed at the site, Faleiro said. Cip
