Has the Non Resident Indians --Facilitation Centre,of Government of Goa at EDC, House Panaji been disbanded following the appointment of Mr Eduardo Faleiro, ex Union Minister and Rajya Sabha member, as the Commissioner for NRI's, under the Department of Home Government of Goa? Well one would think so.
Following a teletalk this writer had with the Commissioner for NRI's - to congratulate Mr Faleiro on his appointment to this office (a post with a Cabinet rank ) he stated he was not clear of his job profile as of now -- but just that he accepted this posting. Ironically the first public function the Commissioner will now inaugurate is a Seminar on "Communal Harmony " organised by the almost defunct NRI FC, on 18th March, 2006 with Mr Digamber Kamat Minister for Power and INC MLA Margao to preside. There is no doubt, that the appointment of Mr Faleiro who has travelled extensively world wide representing our country at the highest forum and his personal acumen and expertise would be of immense help to the NRI's (Goans) given the proper infrastructure and personnel, besides a clear cut job profile, with due budgetary support by the Government of Goa. Mr Faleiro would do well to come out with "out of the box" mindset and proposals that will husband the potential of NRI Goans. A more friendly and meaning ful interaction ofcourse with a patient mindset would be of great help to the NRI's of all stratas. True the NRI Goans as of now are indeed a divided lot. There are Goans who serve at the lowest level in menial jobs upto the top echelons of organisational heirarchy especially in the Gulf countries and there are others who are in Canada UK US Germany France Australia Africa New Zealand etc. While the former do cannot obtain citizenships of those countries like the latter, the aspirations of the NRI's (Goans) therefore varies. Nevertheless the NRI's (Goans) could now look upon the new Commissioner to get their demands redressed now that this posting is at best a non political posting where Mr Faleiro does not need to appease or maintain a vote bank. His only interests would be tuned towards Goa and Goans worldwide. But what is shocking is that though the NRI FC will eventually have to close shop ---following its upgradation with an official at Cabinet rank, this email sent out to Goan NRI's in the Gulf by Chairman of the NRI FC Mr Chandrakant Keni at almost the end of the financial year end March 2006 informing of an impending visit of a three member delegation led by Herculano Dourado ex MLA and Vice Chairman NRI FC has raised eyebrows and has become easily suspect as a means to squander Government funds and hence needs to be called off. Kindly read on the agenda. ******************************************************* Dear Friend The last Convention organized on 3rd and 4th January 2006 at Kala Academy, Panaji was a success as it was well appreciated by all the Goans who attended from various parts of the world. The high level of organization was also noted by these delegates. However, it was observed by many that many issues are discussed at the forum although no follow-up action is taken. To meet this criticism and to ascertain the specific problems of Goans spread around the world specially those in the Gulf, it was decided to send, to start with, a delegation to Gulf countries to clearly identify the problems and difficulties faced by Goans in those countries and look forward for solutions before the next Convention. Towards this end we are pleased to inform you that a three-member delegation led by the Vice-Chairman of NRI Facilitation Centre Adv.Herculano Dourado, which is sanctioned by the Government, is proposing to visit Gulf Countries around the 4th week of March to study the problems of Goans in those areas first hand. During our visit in Kuwait which would be from 25th - 28th morning we propose to have a meeting / seminar on Problems and Aspirations of the Goan Diaspora in Kuwait / Gulf. What solutions?? We would be highly obliged if you could assist us in organizing this meeting by informing all your Goan friends and colleagues connected with you through the organizations you represent. With salutations and warm regards. Chandrakant Keni, Chairman, P. S Email of Shri.Herculano.Dourado ******************************************************* This writer has been inudated with calls from NRI Goans abroad and via email that the visit is uncalled for. The reasons they state are many: a) the NRI FC has not updated its website after the 2nd Goman Vishwa Sammelan in January 2005 event although the third one was held in January 2006 b) the Chairman and others did pay a visit to the Gulf on the eve of the 2nd Sammelan but the outcome was nil c) the complaints of the NRI's have not been addressed as far as revenue (land) matters, litigations, encroachment of lands educational, NRI city, air flight fares, medical engineering college facilities and self employment or setting up industries with know how provided by NRI Goans etc etc. d) till date the Budget DOES NOT spell out in clear terms what the Government incentives for NRI Goans e) even the INFOTECH city inaugurated at Dona Paula is not clear or does not provide first preference in terms of infrastructure or early bird incentives exclusively for NRI Goans. f)at the last Gomant Sammelan in January, 2006 Mr Chandrakant Keni Chairman of NRI FC was pulled up by the NRI Goans for not responding to emails not updating the website and no follow up leading to the demand made to the CM and appointment of Mr Manuel of Moira as their representative. Under the circumstances the NRI Goan remains convinced that both the Government of India and the Government of Goa are merely interested in NRIs a) to park their funds in Banks and financial institutions in Goa (notwithstanding the fly by night operators that with the connivance of an ill equipped police force and the legal fraternity duped NRI Goans and others of hard earned money) b) to enjoy the hospitality of NRIs Goans free of cost or at the cost of the exchequer and get a paid visit to overseas. Therefore the visit of the three member delegation is NOT welcome by the NRI Goans also because the agenda is unclear. There is no official intimation as to who are the other officials and the brief they carry. Being Lent season and examination round the corner in Gulf countries it would be difficult to entertain the team and that normally such visits are best organised if planned in advance the agenda clear the notice circulated to all the organisations abroad. The visits cost approximately Rs 40,000 and above and it is difficult for Associations to arrange such funds without being clear on the purpose of the visit. Therefore it is clear that the delegation will not be entertained by anyone while they land there and none would be willing to foot the bill unless the visit is intended as a PERSONAL VISIT. It is now left to the Chief Minister Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane or the new Commissioner for NRI Goans to spell out in clear terms the agenda for NRI Goans and all this needs to be reflected in the current Budget proposals in the ensuing Goa Legislative Assembly session beginning on 20th March, 2006. The NRI Goans are also keen that justice should be done with Konkani and due budgetary grants not dole for the promotion of Konkani in Roman script alongwith the Devanagari script. GODFREY J I GONSALVES [EMAIL PROTECTED] BORDA MARGAO GOA 9822158584 __________________________________________________________ Yahoo! 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