Date: 6th, November, 2013. Andhra Pradesh NRI’S The fate of Migrant workers from Andhra Pradesh, who form the second largest after Kerala from India to the Middle East, is in pathetic condition. There is A.P. NRI cell which was established as a part of General Administration Department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh vide G.O.Ms No. 240, Fin (SMPC) Department, Dated: 21/08/2006 w.e.f 21/06/2006, to look after the problems of NRIs, to implement the recommendations of the NRI study group and to coordinate with other departments and the MIOA, GOI,New Delhi. The NRI Cell has been established under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister of A.P. The Chief Minister is assisted by the Minister in-charge of the NRI Department. The day-to-day functioning of the NRI Department is carried out under the supervision of Special Secretary (Protocol) who is especially designated to cater to all the requirements of the NRI’s belonging to Andhra Pradesh but this is only at Secretariat and on paper only. Sorry to say that there is no representative from A.P. state government to look into the problems being faced by Andhra people abroad during Nitaqat. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy should take an example from Kerala Chief Minister Mr. Oommen Chandy who has said that government of Kerala will meet all the expenses of those who are forced to return to Kerala from Saudi Arabia after 4th, November and he also said that Kerala government will asked the federal government to chip in for financial and other rehabilitation assistance and even assured that if the Central Government do not come to our help all the expenses of bringing back the stranded works and their rehabilitation will be borne by the Kerala government. It is unfortunate that there was no representation from Andhra Pradesh government to inquire about their citizen’s welfare because they don’t havedepartment like NORKA. It’s high time that Kiran Kumar Reddy government should come forward and reactivate A.P. NRI cell to address their problems, grievances and implement welfare programs and schemes. Government of Andhra Pradesh should consider seriously to solve the problems of AP NRIs,draw-up plans to resettle them specially those working in the Middle-East,Gulf and third world countries who are major contributors and have to return back on End of the contract period or termination of the job and various other reasons unlike their counterparts working in developed countries like USA, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand who have an option of citizenship from the respective governments and spend their income in settling down. Repatriation of dead bodies of AP NRI’S is one of the major problems that have to be solved by A.P. government. Losing a loved one is very difficult there is no need for added stress. Andhra Pradesh government has to constituted fund for extending financial assistance to legal heirs of AP NRI’S for repatriation of dead bodies who expired while abroad. Furthermore, financial assistance for the repatriation of dead body/bodies and subsequent settlement of claims is a foremost need for majority of the AP NRI’S. Relief Fund Scheme should be launched for AP NRI’s in distress. This scheme targets AP NRI’s returnees living on below poverty line and similarly placed dependents of deceased AP NRI’s. The scheme is devised to meet financial requirements for marriages, medical treatment etc. and posthumous aid to provide social security to and their family or dependents. Even while engaged in the struggles and hardships to make up a life abroad, each non-residential Andhralite is nostalgic about his homeland and his roots. The diverse numbers of Andhra Pradesh Diaspora, especially from the Gulf have high hopes on comprehensive schemes for AP NRI’s. Thousands of Andhralites working in at foreign countries return home on expiry of visa or termination of their contracts. The plight of many AP NRI’S workers, particularly in the labor category, is pitiable once they lose their jobs, as they have several family members who depend on them. We AP NRI’s need a Department of Overseas Foreign Workers like NORKA in Andhra Pradesh also so that AP NRI’s can also avail benefits like Keralites. Written by: Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki Jeddah, K.S.A.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Nov 2013 10:18:51 +0000
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