Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Apr 15: A separate 'Guarantee' for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) has been included in the AICC Nyay Patra. An independent ministry was created during the Manmohan Singh government for NRIs. We have promised to grant voting rights to NRIs," said Arathi Krishna, deputy chairperson of the NRI Forum, government of Karnataka.

Speaking at a press meet in Udupi, she said, "People of the coastal region, especially those residing in Kuwait, have requested a direct flight to Kuwait. We promise to provide this service. The children of labourers working abroad are subjected to NRI fees for medical and engineering education. They have requested a change to fee structures based on income. We commit to addressing this issue as well. The guarantee schemes we have successfully implemented will also be extended to NRIs. Congress has fielded a capable candidate, JP Hegde, for the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency. His commendable work speaks for itself. The guarantee schemes have garnered positive feedback at the grassroots level."

"There is a significant population of individuals working abroad, particularly in Gulf countries, from the Coastal Karnataka region. These individuals cannot vote in the countries where they work because they are not citizens there. Additionally, voting in their home country is challenging due to high transportation costs. Therefore, we have devised a plan to extend voting rights to NRIs as well," she explained.

Kishan Hegde Kolkebailu, working president Udupi district Congress; MA Gaffoor, KPCC vice president; Ramesh Kanchan, president Udupi block Congress; and Hareesh Kini, president campaign committee were present.