In a brief two hour function "CONFERENCE ON INDIAN EXPARTRIATES IN THE GULF
COUNTRIES" held at the Convention Hall, Hotel Mandovi, Panaji this afternoon,
the Union Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Shri Vayalar Ravi
informed the gathering of NRG who had come from places in the Gulf countries
that his nascent ministry had made upteen changes to ensure that NRI's world
over do not face hardships either by recruiting agents, need for Emigration
Clearance etc etc.
He made a specific mention that during the financial crisis that the country
faced in 1990-91 where India had to pledge her gold the Prime Minister Dr
Manmohan Singh who was then the Finance Minister looked upon the Gulf
remittances as a measure to ward off the crisis.
It is for this reason the Prime Minister Dr. Singh salutes the hard work of the
Gulf workers a large chunk which constitute mainly skilled and unskilled
workers, has extended full support of the UPA Government to redeem the problems
of the Gulf expartriates.
He spoke of the memorandum of understanding signed by various countries to
ensure women workers do not suffer. He has introduced a Helpline and toll free
numbers, so that women who proceed to the Gulf would learn about the
genuineness of the recruiting agents. He has also introduced the concept of
minimum wages are in the range of S300 to S350 and directed that the Embassies
should endorse the employment contents. He has also provided for Shelter homes
in the Embassy and directed that evert women employee should be given a access
to mobile phones with a minimum call limits
According to Mr Ravi most of the European nations are ageing nations and would
require manpower from young nations like India and hence there is a high
potential for overseas recruitments.
He said in the early 1970's it was mainly the nurses from Kerala who had
migrated and many of them without proper documentation. It is these who took
over large families to the Gulf and other countries and that is how the women
account for a major chunk of NRIs.
Mr Eduardo Faleiro the Commissioner for NRI distributed a compilation of the
action taken report on his recent Gulf tour. He left it to the NRI's to decide
upon its contents and give the feed back. Mr Faleiro an ex Union Minister for
External Affairs, also made an impassioned plea to the Union Minister Mr Ravi
to bring down the cultural troupe Ekvat from Lisbon to perform in Indian
cities. He also provided a CD of their performance for necessary action. Mr
Faleiro also requested to have a chair of Hindi and Indian Culture in the
Institute of Oriental Studies which was presently headed by a Goan Dr Coissore.
CN Minister Digamber Kamat made an impassioned plea not to oppose development
programmes merely for the sake of Opposition but to work in concert for the
development of the State. He promised to send another cultural troupe to the
Gulf countries to enthuse Goans and revive their links with their mother land.
Chief Secretary of Goa Shri J P Singh,IAS also spoke of Goa's economic progress
and its emerging as a properous state. He welcomed the NRIs to be partners in
development to enhance the prestige of the State.
NRI's who have contributed to the services of fellow NRIs in the Gulf were
given a plaque at the hands of the Union Minister Mr Ravi.
The Pilar choral group gave a beautiful rendition of their welcome songs which
was applauded by all.
Others who spoke were Shri K S Singh Secretary NRI affairs and Vice Admiral
(Retd) John C D Silva Chairman Overseas Employment Agency of Goa and Vote of
thanks by U D Kamt Director NRI affairs.
A hand book (Rs.20/-) for Non Resident Goans (NRG's) was released at the hands
of the CM.
SIDELIGHTS
the programe commence over 40 minutes late as the Union Minister had not
arrived from outstation
the "Conference on Indian Expartriates "... should have read as Felicititation
of Expartriates in Gulf Countries..
the Union Minister spoke at lenght and gave humorous tit bits on his
interaction with the NRI's
Mr Ravi freely interacted with the NRI's after the function and obliged several
NRG's for a photoshots.
Many NRG's felt that there were more NRG's who ought to be felicitated and were
not clear of the criteria adopted for the present few selected.
Some photos available on request.
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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